Maharashtra Election 2024: As Maharashtra gears up for its November 20 assembly elections, 4,136 candidates are vying for 288 seats, with 2,086 running as independents. The results, set to be announced on November 23, come amidst a politically fragmented landscape following splits in the Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in recent years.
Key Alliances and Candidate Distribution
The ruling Mahayuti alliance features:
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 149 candidates
- Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction): 81 candidates
- NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): 59 candidates
The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) fields:
- Congress: 101 candidates
- Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction, UBT): 95 candidates
- NCP (Sharad Pawar faction): 86 candidates
Key Constituencies and High-Profile Contests
Kopri-Pachpakhadi Constituency
Eknath Shinde (Shinde Sena) vs Kedar Dighe (Sena UBT)
Eknath Shinde, defending his stronghold in Thane, faces the nephew of his late mentor Anand Dighe, Kedar Dighe. Shinde, elected in 2004, has won three consecutive terms in the restructured Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency. The local appeal of Kedar, the Thane district chief of UBT, could provide a tough challenge.
Nagpur South West Constituency
Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) vs Praful Vinodrao Gudadhe (Congress)
BJP stalwart and former CM Devendra Fadnavis faces anti-incumbency sentiment as he seeks a sixth consecutive term. Nagpur, his political stronghold since 1997, has supported him in five straight elections. This time, he faces Congress’s Praful Gudadhe, hoping to leverage the anti-incumbency wave.
Baramati Constituency
Ajit Pawar (NCP Ajit Pawar) vs Yugendra Pawar (NCP Sharad Pawar)
In this highly charged family feud, Ajit Pawar, the Deputy CM and long-time Baramati leader, faces his nephew Yugendra Pawar, backed by Sharad Pawar. Following the NCP split, Supriya Sule’s backing of Yugendra adds fuel to the rivalry. Ajit remains confident, but the backing of his uncle may turn the tide in favor of Yugendra.
Worli Constituency
Aaditya Thackeray (Sena UBT) vs Milind Deora (Shinde Sena)
Aaditya Thackeray’s bid for a second term is challenged by Milind Deora of the Shinde Sena. Thackeray, the first member of his family to enter electoral politics, won comfortably in 2019. However, Deora, a former Congress leader and Union minister, joined Shinde Sena just before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Deora’s candidacy presents a major test for the legacy of Uddhav Thackeray.
Kankavali and Kudal Constituency
The Rane family, led by Nitesh and Nilesh Rane (BJP and Shinde Sena, respectively), takes on Vaibhav Naik (Sena UBT) and Sandesh Parkar (Sena UBT) in the Konkan region, continuing the political legacy of former CM Narayan Rane. The battle is not just about family legacy but also the dominance of the Konkan region’s political future.
Bandra East Constituency
Zeeshan Siddique (NCP Ajit Pawar) vs Varun Sardesai (Sena UBT)
In this Muslim-majority constituency, Varun Sardesai, nephew of Uddhav Thackeray, takes on Zeeshan Siddique, who is campaigning on a sympathy wave following his father’s murder. The seat, home to the Thackeray residence Matoshree and the Bandra-Kurla Complex, also sees a challenge from MNS’s Trupti Sawant and Shinde Sena-backed independent Kunal Sarmalkar.
Latur Constituency
Dhiraj and Amit Deshmukh (Congress) vs Ramesh Karad and Archana Chakurkar (BJP)
The Deshmukh brothers, sons of late CM Vilasrao Deshmukh, aim to defend their family legacy. Dhiraj Deshmukh faces Ramesh Karad in Latur Rural, while Amit Deshmukh battles Archana Chakurkar (BJP). Chakurkar’s strong backing from the Lingayat and OBC communities could make this a close race.
Mahim Constituency
Amit Thackeray (MNS) vs Mahesh Sawant (Sena UBT) vs Sada Sarvankar (Shinde Sena)
A high-stakes three-way battle for the political future of the Shiv Sena’s legacy. Shinde Sena’s Sarvankar and UBT’s Sawant were already in a tight contest, but the entry of Amit Thackeray, son of Raj Thackeray, adds intensity to this crucial race.
Parli Constituency
Dhananjay Munde (NCP Ajit Pawar) vs Rajesahab Deshmukh (NCP Sharad Pawar)
A polarized constituency sees an OBC vs Maratha battle. Dhananjay Munde, having defeated his cousin Pankaja Munde in 2019, now faces Rajesahab Deshmukh, representing the Sharad Pawar faction. The reservation issue is at the heart of the contest.
Bhokardan Constituency
Raosaheb Danve (BJP) vs Chandrakant Danve (NCP Sharad Pawar)
BJP leader Raosaheb Danve, confident in his prospects, faces NCP’s Chandrakant Danve. With the ongoing Maratha agitation, the contest could be a tough one for the BJP.
Malabar Hill Constituency
Mangal Prabhat Lodha (BJP) vs Bherulal Choudhary (Sena UBT)
In the high-profile Malabar Hill constituency, BJP’s six-time MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha faces debutant Bherulal Choudhary from Sena UBT. Lodha, supported by his wife from Rajasthan, rallies the Jain community on a development platform, while Choudhary focuses on redevelopment.
Kothrud Constituency
Chandrakant Patil (BJP) vs Chandrakant Mokate (Sena UBT)
A three-way contest sees BJP’s Chandrakant Patil face former MLA Chandrakant Mokate (Sena UBT) and MNS’s Kishor Shinde. Mokate represented the constituency from 2009-2014, adding extra significance to this race.
Kamthi Constituency
Chandrashekhar Bawankule (BJP) vs Suresh Yadavrao Bhoyar (Congress)
BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule faces Congress’s Suresh Bhoyar. Bawankule has won this seat in 2004, 2009, and 2014, but Bhoyar is hoping anti-incumbency sentiment will work in his favor.
Mumbadevi Constituency
Shaina NC (Shinde Sena) vs Amin Patel (Congress)
In Mumbadevi, Shaina NC of Shinde Sena faces Amin Patel, Congress’s strong candidate, who has held the seat since 2009. Patel is counting on his Muslim-majority voter base for support.
Mankhurd-Shivajinagar Constituency
Nawab Malik (NCP Pawar faction) vs Abu Azmi (Samajwadi Party)
Nawab Malik, a three-term MLA facing a money laundering investigation, contests against Samajwadi Party’s Abu Azmi. The Shinde Sena has nominated Shivaji Patil for the seat.
Bandra West Constituency
Ashish Shelar (BJP) vs Asif Zakaria (Congress)
BJP’s Ashish Shelar, relying on the BJP’s developmental initiatives, faces Congress’s Asif Zakaria, who is courting support from the Muslim community in the area.