Title Revised: Competition in Vidarbha: Mahayuti aims to preserve territory, MVA competes for pride, Congress strives to regain influence
Vidarbha, which comprises 62 seats across 11 districts, is in the spotlight this assembly election and likely to play a crucial role in govt formation, making it a fiercely contested region between th...
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Vidarbha, which includes 62 seats spread across 11 districts, is the focus of this assembly election and expected to have a significant impact on government formation. It has become a fiercely contested area between the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalitions. The BJP emerged as the dominant party in the region in 2019, winning 29 seats, followed by the Congress with 15 seats, undivided NCP with six, and Shiv Sena with four. Smaller parties and independents, such as Prahar Janshakti, secured five seats. With the split in NCP and Shiv Sena and the rise of independents, Vidarbha is poised to be a crucial battleground this time around.

In East Vidarbha, comprising six districts - Nagpur, Wardha, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, and Bhandara, the BJP has historically held strong influence. However, internal conflicts and a resurgent MVA now challenge the Mahayuti's dominance. Nagpur, with 12 seats, holds political significance in Vidarbha and is gearing up for intense battles. The BJP, which won 11 seats in 2014 but saw a decrease to six in 2019, faces resistance and Congress aims to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiment, particularly in South and Central constituencies of Nagpur city. Congress is also eyeing to strengthen its position in Nagpur North and West seats.

In rural Nagpur, Congress is focusing on farmer distress and local developmental issues, which were weak points for the BJP in 2019. The BJP relies on the popularity of its local leaders and organizational strength to maintain its existing seats.

In Wardha, a tough competition is expected between BJP and Congress. Deoli could see a contest between BJP and Congress or Shiv Sena, while Hinganghat might witness BJP defending its seat against NCP (Sharad Pawar). The battle in Arvi is also anticipated to be fierce.In Gadchiroli, internal conflicts are affecting the BJP's stronghold in the politically sensitive tribal-dominated district. BJP MLA Dr. Deorao Holi has suggested growing dissent within the party, as the MVA alliance aims to challenge the BJP with strong candidates. Notably, in the Aheri seat, NCP's Bhagyashree Atram will run against her father Dharamrao Baba Atram of NCP (Ajit), while in Armori, a close battle between Congress and BJP is anticipated.

Over in Chandrapur, a fierce battle is expected across its six constituencies, with both BJP and Shiv Sena vying for the support of independent MLA Kishor Jorgewar. BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar is facing stiff competition in Ballarpur, while Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar is seeking a third consecutive term in Bramhapuri. The vacant Warora seat may be contested by Wadettiwar's daughter Shivani, and in Rajura, Congress MLA Subhash Dhote might face a challenge from the BJP.

In Gondia, strategies are being finalized as Independent MLA Vinod Agrawal, now aligned with the BJP, faces a challenge from Congress's Gopaldas Agrawal. Similarly, in Tiroda, BJP's Vijay Rahangdale will compete against NCP's Ravikant Bopche. The political scenario in Arjuni Moragaon remains uncertain, awaiting the NCP (Ajit Pawar) to announce its candidate. In Amgaon, Congress's Sasharam Korote is gearing up for a tough battle against an as yet unnamed BJP candidate.

Bhandara is witnessing conflicts as allies in the region face internal challenges. The three constituencies, reserved for Scheduled Castes, see independent MLA Narendra Bhondekar, a Shinde ally, encountering resistance within BJP for his nomination. In Tumsar, NCP's Raju Karemore will compete against former MLA Charan Waghmare, now with NC.Sharad Pawar's (P) presence in the political scene has stirred interest, with Congress also showing interest in the same seat. The constituency of Sakoli, currently held by MPCC president Nana Patole, is expected to witness a tight competition, as several BJP contenders compete for the party's ticket. The Western Vidarbha region, encompassing districts such as Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, Washim, and Buldhana, has historically favored MVA, but recent elections have seen BJP making inroads. However, disagreements over seat-sharing among Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena are complicating the alliance's election strategies.

Amravati is a hub of political activities, with intense electoral battles expected, especially in the main district seat. Congress and NCP (Ajit Pawar) are engaged in a fierce competition for dominance, while the presence of smaller parties like MNS could add complexity. In Badnera, Yuva Swabhiman Party's Ravi Rana, an ally of BJP, is anticipated to face off against Shiv Sena (UBT) or NCP. Former minister Yashomati Thakur from Congress aims for her fourth consecutive victory in Teosa, with other seats like Dhamangaon Railway and Morshi witnessing heated contests between BJP, Congress, and NCP.

Yavatmal poses a challenge for Congress as BJP has made significant gains in this traditionally Congress-dominated district. With five out of seven seats now under BJP's control, Congress is striving to regain lost ground, particularly in Pusad and Digras. Seat-sharing negotiations within MVA are ongoing, introducing uncertainty to the electoral landscape in the district.

In Akola, a quadrangular contest is looming, with Mahayuti, MVA, VBA, and Prahar Janshakti expected to field strong candidates. Strong fights are anticipated in Akot and Murtizapur, reserved for Scheduled Castes, as BJP aims to maintain its dominance. Akola West sees the BJP seeking candidates following the veteran leader Govardhandas Sharma's demise, while in Akola East, MLA Randhir Sawarkar may continue representing the BJP.

Washim presents a triangular battle in constituencies like Karanja and Risod, where multiple parties are expected to compete.An intense political competition is expected among Mahayuti, MVA, and VBA in the upcoming elections. The BJP is likely to renominate Lakhan Malik in Washim, but will choose a new candidate for Karanja after the passing of MLA Rajendra Patni. In Risod, Congress's Amit Zanak is aiming for a fourth consecutive term. In Buldhana, the battle is set between Sena (UBT) and Sena (Shinde) in different constituencies, with Uddhav's Shiv Sena eyeing Buldhana and Mehkar seats, and Congress focusing on Malkapur, Chikhli, Jalgaon Jamod, and Khamgaon. The NCP (Sharad Pawar) might nominate Rajendra Shingane in Sindkhed Raja, although internal conflicts within the MVA could complicate this contest.