Vidarbha, with 62 seats spread across 11 districts, is the focal point of this assembly election and is expected to play a significant role in government formation. This region is fiercely contested between the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). In 2019, the BJP emerged as the dominant force in Vidarbha, winning 29 seats, followed by Congress with 15 seats, undivided NCP with six, and Shiv Sena with four. Smaller parties and independents, including Prahar Janshakti, secured five seats. With the recent splits in NCP and Shiv Sena, along with the rise of independent candidates, Vidarbha is poised to be a crucial battleground this time around.
East Vidarbha, comprising six districts - Nagpur, Wardha, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, and Bhandara, has traditionally been a stronghold of the BJP. However, internal conflicts and the growing strength of MVA present significant challenges to Mahayuti's dominance, with prominent BJP and Congress figures facing tough competition.
Nagpur, with the most politically significant 12 seats in Vidarbha, is gearing up for intense battles. BJP, which won 11 seats in 2014, saw a decrease to six seats in 2019. Congress aims to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiment and regain constituencies in Nagpur city where it narrowly lost to BJP previously. The party also aims to strengthen its grip on Nagpur North and West seats won in 2019.
In rural Nagpur, Congress is focusing on issues such as farmer distress and local development, which were areas of weakness for BJP in 2019. BJP is banking on the popularity of its local leaders and organizational strength to retain its seats.
Wardha is witnessing battle lines being drawn, with BJP facing tough competition from Congress in its assembly constituency. Contests between BJP and Congress or Shiv Sena (UBT) are expected in Deoli, and BJP is gearing up to defend its seat against NCP (Sharad Pawar) in Hinganghat. The competition in Arvi remains undecided.A critical situation has emerged in Gadchiroli as both political alliances carefully consider their choices for candidates. The tribal-dominated district is experiencing internal conflicts that present a significant challenge for the BJP. Dr. Deorao Holi, a BJP MLA from Gadchiroli, has hinted at growing dissent within the party. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is vigorously working to unseat the BJP, with the NCP (led by Sharad Pawar) fielding Bhagyashree Atram as a strong candidate in Aheri against her father Dharamrao Baba Atram of NCP (led by Ajit Pawar). Meanwhile, a tightly contested Congress-BJP battle is expected in Armori.
Chandrapur, an industrial hub and a stronghold of the BJP, is set to witness fierce competition in its six constituencies. In the Chandrapur constituency, both the Shiv Sena and BJP are vying for the support of independent MLA Kishor Jorgewar. BJP veteran Sudhir Mungantiwar, following a challenging Lok Sabha election, is now encountering strong opposition in his hometown of Ballarpur. In Bramhapuri, Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar is aiming for a third consecutive term. The Warora seat, left vacant after former Congress MLA Pratibha Dhanorkar's victory in the Lok Sabha polls, may be contested by Wadettiwar's daughter Shivani. In Rajura, Congress MLA Subhash Dhote may face a formidable opponent from the BJP.
In Gondia, strategies are being finalized as Independent MLA Vinod Agrawal, who is now aligned with the BJP, faces a challenge from Congress's Gopaldas Agrawal. The Tiroda constituency will witness a battle between BJP's Vijay Rahangdale and NCP's Ravikant Bopche. The political situation in Arjuni Moragaon remains uncertain, with NCP (led by Ajit Pawar) expected to announce its candidate soon. Congress's Sasharam Korote is gearing up for a tough contest in Amgaon against an as-yet-undetermined BJP candidate.
In Bhandara, all three constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes. Independent MLA Narendra Bhondekar, an ally of the Shinde faction, is facing opposition within the BJP regarding his nomination. In Tumsar, NCP's Raju Karemore is set to compete against his rival, former MLA Charan Waghmare, who is now with the NC.P (Sharad Pawar) - The seat is being targeted by the Congress as well, adding to the intrigue. Sakoli, currently held by MPCC president Nana Patole, is expected to witness a closely contested election with multiple BJP candidates vying for the ticket.
Western Vidarbha Seat-Sharing Dilemma for MVA - Western Vidarbha, comprised of Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, Washim, and Buldhana districts, has traditionally been a stronghold for the MVA, but the BJP has made inroads in the last two elections. However, internal disputes over seat-sharing between the Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) are complicating their respective election strategies.
Amravati: A hub of political activity - Amravati is expected to witness intense electoral contests, especially for the district's main seat. Congress and NCP (Ajit Pawar) are competing for dominance, while smaller parties like MNS could further complicate the situation. In Badnera, Yuva Swabhiman Party's Ravi Rana, an ally of the BJP, is anticipated to face off against Shiv Sena (UBT) or the NCP. Former minister Yashomati Thakur of Congress is aiming for her fourth consecutive victory in Teosa, while other seats like Dhamangaon Railway and Morshi will see intense battles between the BJP and Congress or NCP.
Yavatmal: Congress fights to maintain its hold - The traditionally Congress-dominated district of Yavatmal has seen significant gains by the BJP, with five out of seven seats now under their control. Congress, still holding influence in Pusad and Digras, is striving to recapture lost ground. Seat-sharing discussions within the MVA are ongoing, creating uncertainty regarding their electoral prospects in the district.
Akola: A quadrangular contest on the horizon - Mahayuti, MVA, VBA, and Prahar Janshakti are expected to field strong candidates in Akola. Akot and Murtizapur, both reserved for Scheduled Castes, will witness tough battles, with the BJP aiming to maintain its dominance. In Akola West, the BJP is required to nominate new candidates following the passing of veteran leader Govardhandas Sharma, while in Akola East, they may continue with MLA Randhir Sawarkar.
Washim: A triangular battle - In the constituencies of Washim, Karanja, and Risod, a triangular battle is expected.A three-way contest is expected between Mahayuti, MVA, and VBA in the upcoming elections. The BJP is likely to nominate Lakhan Malik in Washim again, but a new candidate will be chosen for Karanja following the passing of MLA Rajendra Patni. Congress's Amit Zanak is seeking his fourth term in Risod.
In Buldhana, there will be a rivalry between Sena (UBT) and Sena (Shinde) in different constituencies. Uddhav's Shiv Sena is aiming for the Buldhana and Mehkar seats, while Congress is focusing on Malkapur, Chikhli, Jalgaon Jamod, and Khamgaon. There is a possibility that the NCP (Sharad Pawar) might field Rajendra Shingane in Sindkhed Raja, although tensions within the MVA could complicate this competition.
