Vidarbha Battleground: Mahayuti fights to hold onto territory, MVA battles for status, Congress aims to regain lost footing
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, with 62 seats across 11 districts, is a key focus in the upcoming assembly elections and is expected to play a vital role in government formation, making it a fiercely contested region between the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalitions. In the 2019 elections, the BJP emerged as the dominant party in Vidarbha, winning 29 seats, followed by Congress with 15 seats, undivided NCP with six, and unified Shiv Sena with four seats. Smaller parties and independents, including Prahar Janshakti, also secured five seats. With the recent split in NCP and Shiv Sena and the rise of independents, Vidarbha is poised to be a significant battleground this time around.

In East Vidarbha, which comprises six districts - Nagpur, Wardha, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, and Bhandara - the BJP stronghold is being challenged by internal conflicts and the resurgence of the MVA coalition. Nagpur, with its 12 politically significant seats, is gearing up for high-stakes battles. While BJP won 11 seats in 2014, it saw a decline to six seats in 2019. Congress aims to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiment and hopes to regain seats in Nagpur city, particularly in the South and Central constituencies where it narrowly lost to BJP previously. The party is also working to strengthen its position in Nagpur North and West seats, which it won in the last election.

In rural Nagpur, Congress is focusing on farmer distress and local development issues, which were weaknesses for the BJP in 2019. The BJP, on the other hand, is relying on the popularity of its local leaders and organizational strength to retain its seats. In Wardha, a tough fight is expected between BJP and Congress. Deoli is likely to witness a BJP vs Congress or Shiv Sena (UBT) contest, while Hinganghat will see BJP defending its seat against NCP led by Sharad Pawar. The battle lines are drawn in Arvi as well.In Gadchiroli, internal conflicts within the BJP are creating challenges as both alliances consider their options for candidates. BJP MLA Dr. Deorao Holi has suggested growing dissent within the party in this politically sensitive, tribal-dominated district. The MVA is making strong efforts to overthrow the BJP, with the NCP (Sharad Pawar) presenting a formidable candidate in Bhagyashree Atram to contest against her father Dharamrao Baba Atram of NCP (Ajit) for the Aheri seat. A tight contest is expected between Congress and BJP in Armori.

Chandrapur is gearing up for a fierce battle in its six constituencies, known for being an industrial hub and a BJP stronghold. In Chandrapur constituency, both Shiv Sena and BJP are vying for the support of independent MLA Kishor Jorgewar. BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar is facing strong opposition in his hometown of Ballarpur following a challenging Lok Sabha election. In Bramhapuri, Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar is aiming for a third consecutive term while the Warora seat, left vacant by Congress MLA Pratibha Dhanorkar's victory in the LS polls, might be contested by Wadettiwar's daughter Shivani. In Rajura, Congress MLA Subhash Dhote may face a strong challenger from the BJP.

In Gondia, strategies are being finalized as Independent MLA Vinod Agrawal, now aligned with the BJP, is being challenged by Congress's Gopaldas Agrawal. The Tiroda constituency will witness a contest between BJP's Vijay Rahangdale and NCP's Ravikant Bopche. The political situation in Arjuni Moragaon remains uncertain, with NCP (Ajit Pawar) expected to announce its candidate soon. In Amgaon, Congress's Sasharam Korote is preparing for a tough competition against an as-yet-unannounced BJP candidate.

Bhandara is seeing conflicts among allies in all three constituencies reserved for Scheduled Castes. Independent MLA Narendra Bhondekar, an ally of Shinde, is facing opposition within the BJP over his candidacy. In Tumsar, NCP's Raju Karemore will compete with former MLA Charan Waghmare, now with the NC.P (Sharad Pawar), the Congress is also contending for the seat, adding to the intrigue. The Sakoli constituency, currently held by MPCC president Nana Patole, is anticipated to witness a tight competition, as multiple BJP candidates vie for the ticket. The Western Vidarbha region, encompassing districts like Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, Washim, and Buldhana, has traditionally been a stronghold of the MVA alliance. However, the BJP has made significant inroads in the past two elections. Internal disagreements over seat-sharing among Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) are complicating their election strategies in the region.

Amravati, a hub of political activity, is set to witness intense electoral battles, particularly in the main district seat. Congress and NCP (Ajit Pawar) are locked in a struggle for dominance, while smaller parties such as MNS could add complexity to the situation. In Badnera, Yuva Swabhiman Party's Ravi Rana, an ally of the BJP, is expected to face candidates from Shiv Sena (UBT) or the NCP. Former minister Yashomati Thakur from Congress is eyeing her fourth consecutive victory in Teosa, while other seats like Dhamangaon Railway and Morshi will see fierce battles between BJP and Congress or NCP candidates.

Yavatmal is witnessing the BJP making significant gains in a district traditionally dominated by Congress. Of the seven seats, five are now under BJP control. Congress, still influential in Pusad and Digras, is striving to regain lost ground. The ongoing seat-sharing discussions within MVA are bringing uncertainty to the electoral prospects in the district.

Akola is gearing up for a quadrangular contest, with strong candidates expected from Mahayuti, MVA, VBA, and Prahar Janshakti. Akot and Murtizapur, a reserved seat for Scheduled Castes, will witness tough battles, as the BJP aims to maintain its dominance. In Akola West, the BJP will need to nominate candidates following the passing of veteran leader Govardhandas Sharma, while in the East constituency, it may retain MLA Randhir Sawarkar.

In Washim, constituencies like Karanja and Risod are poised for a triangular battle between multiple parties.There is a triangular contest expected between Mahayuti, MVA, and VBA in the upcoming elections. The BJP is likely to nominate Lakhan Malik in Washim again, while a new candidate will be chosen for Karanja after the passing of the current MLA Rajendra Patni. Congress's Amit Zanak is seeking a fourth term in Risod. In Buldhana, there will be a competition between Sena (UBT) and Sena (Shinde) across various constituencies. Shiv Sena is focusing on the Buldhana and Mehkar seats, while Congress is aiming for victories in Malkapur, Chikhli, Jalgaon Jamod, and Khamgaon. The NCP may select Rajendra Shingane to run in Sindkhed Raja, but internal conflicts within the MVA could impact this contest.