Battlelines drawn in Maharashtra for first phase of Lok Sabha polls

In the first phase, Nagpur, Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST), Bhandara-Gondiya, Chandrapur and Ramtek (SC) will go to polls in Maharashtra. Congress MLA Raju Parwe on Saturday joined the Sena and is likely to be the candidate in Ramtek (SC) seat. The last date to file nominations in these seats in March 27.

Nagpur

Nitin Gadkari (BJP) vs Vikas Thakre (Cong)

Union minister Nitin Gadkari is seeking his third term in Lok Sabha from Nagpur LS constituency, which houses the headquarters of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had attacked the BJP for not naming Gadkari in the party’s first list and even offered him to contest from opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

After the delay over naming his challenger, the Congress has decided to field Vikas Thakre, sitting MLA from Nagpur West. “There is no safe seat when it comes to elections. I have been given a responsibility by the party and I will fulfill it by putting all my strength,” Thakre said.

Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST)

Ashok Nete (BJP) vs Dr Namdev Kirsan (Cong)

One of the biggest Lok Sabha constituencies in terms of area is also one of the less developed regions in the state. A large tribal area and signs of Naxal movement make many parts sensitive.

The BJP has decided to field sitting MP Ashok Nete despite its ally Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar-led NCP demanding the seat for minister Dharmarao Atram.

This time, the Congress has decided to field a new face from this seat. Kirsan is a former state government employee who after voluntary retirement had joined the Congress. The party has fielded him over former MLA Namdev Usendi.

Bhandara-Gondiya

Sunil Mendhe (BJP) vs Dr Prashant Padole (Cong)

Spread over two districts, this is home constituency of Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole. It was reported that Patole will be fielded by the party to take on the BJP. However, he decided to opt out of the race and instead fielded Padole, his close aide and distant relative. The BJP has once again decided to rely on sitting MP Sunil Mendhe.

Chandrapur

Sudhir Mungantiwar (BJP) vs Pratibha Dhanorkar (Cong)

Chandrapur is set to be the highlight of the first phase in Maharashtra. Maharashtra’s Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has a task to win the seat, which was won by Congress’ Balu Dhanorkar in 2019. After the untimely death of Dhanorkar, no bypoll was held. Amid the suspense over who will get the ticket from Congress, sitting MLA and Dhanorkar’s wife Pratibha Dhanorkar’s name was announced by the party.

Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar’s daughter Shivani had sought the seat from the party. However, the party decided to go ahead with Dhanorkar.

Amid reports that Wadettiwar was unhappy, he said, “In a democracy, every person has a right to seek a ticket. My daughter did the same. There is no question of getting upset. I have already started working for Congress candidates because I am the leader of opposition and have a responsibility of other candidates as well,” he said.

Dhanorkar, who returned from Delhi on Monday, said, “This is a battle against dictatorship to preserve democracy. Each and every party leader is with me in this battle. I will personally meet and invite him (Wadettiwar) to attend my nomination filing,” she said.

Ramtek (SC)

Rashmi Barve (Cong) vs yet to be announced

After hard bargaining with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, the Congress has managed to snatch the seat where it has fielded former Zilla Parishad chairperson Rashmi Barve. However, the party is facing infighting in Ramtek where Congress leader and 2019 candidate Kishor Gajbhiye has decided to file the nomination claiming Barve’s candidature will not survive the scrutiny of caste certificate.

Congress faced another blow when sitting MLA Raju Parwe joined Shinde-led Sena. Parwe is likely to be the Sena’s candidate in Ramtek. Both BJP and Sena wanted to contest the seat. BJP state chief Chadrashekhar Bawankule had even said that his party will convince Shinde to give up the seat. However, with Parwe joining the Sena, it seems like a settled issue. When asked, Parwe said, “I quit Congress because of the dictatorial behavior of the party leaders.”