As the countdown to the Maharashtra Assembly elections continues, the Congress party has announced its second list of 23 candidates, further solidifying its strategy to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming polls. This list follows the release of an initial slate of 48 candidates just two days prior, showcasing the party's commitment to fielding strong contenders against formidable rivals.
Challenging the BJP’s Stronghold
One of the most notable matchups in this election cycle is set to take place in Nagpur district, where Congress is fielding Suresh Y. Bhoyar against the BJP's state president, Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Bawankule, who has previously secured the Kamthi seat in 2004, 2009, and 2014, will attempt to reclaim his position after being dropped from the race in 2019. Bhoyar, a former president of the Nagpur Zila Panchayat, aims to pose a significant challenge to the incumbent.
Candidates with Significant Backgrounds
The second list features several candidates with notable backgrounds. In Savner, Anuja S. Kedar, the wife of former minister Sunil C. Kedar, will represent Congress. Sunil Kedar, a five-term MLA, was disqualified following a graft conviction. Anuja, daughter of legendary cricket administrator SK Wankhede, had initially filed as an Independent but will now contest on a Congress ticket.
Diverse Candidate Representation
The Congress party’s second list includes a diverse range of candidates across various constituencies:
- Rajesh Manavatkar (Bhusawal)
- Swati Wakekar (Jamod)
- Mahesh Gange (Akot)
- Shekhar Shende (Wardha)
- Girish Pandav (Nagpur South)
- Pooja Thavker (Bhandara)
- Dalip Banson (Arjuni-Morgaon)
- Rajkumar Puram (Amgaon)
- Vasant Purke (Ralegaon)
- Anil Balasaheb Mangulkar (Yavatmal)
- Jitendra Moghe (Arni)
- Sahebrao Kamble (Umarkhed)
- Kailas Gorantyal (Jalna)
- Madhukar Deshmukh (Aurangabad East)
- Vijay Patil (Vasai)
- Kalu Bhadeliya (Kandivali East)
- Yashwant Singh (Charkop)
- Ganesh Kumar Yadav (Sion-Koliwada)
- Hemant Ogle (Srirampur)
- Abhay K. Salunkhe (Nilanga)
- Ganpatrao Patil (Shiro)
Seat-Sharing Discussions with Allies
As the elections draw near, Congress Legislative Party Leader Vijay alias Balasaheb Thorat is expected to meet with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray. The discussions will focus on finalizing the seat-sharing arrangement among the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies, especially regarding the allocation of seats to smaller allied parties. The urgency is heightened as the deadline for filing nominations approaches on October 29.
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Strategic Positioning Ahead of Elections
The Congress party’s strategy appears to be focused not just on individual candidate strength but also on tactical alliances within the MVA. By fielding strong candidates against key BJP figures and engaging in discussions with allies, Congress is looking to strengthen its position in the state, which has become a battleground for political parties in recent years.
As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, all eyes will be on the performance of these candidates and the overall impact of their campaigns on the political landscape of the state. The stakes are high, and the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the narrative for the elections.
