In Kolhapur and Satara, royal descendants have a point to prove

This time, Patil has opted out of the race citing health reasons. His associates said Udayanraje wants to avenge his loss of 2019 by winning with a big margin of votes. “This time, Udayanraje campaigned very hard. He tried to reach maximum number of voters. He campaigned from early morning to late evening. He is aiming for a record victory,” said Milind Gaikwad, his close aide.

NCP (SP) has fielded its MLC Shashikant Shinde. Party chief Sharad Pawar himself led the campaigning. In the 2019 elections, his speech in the pouring rain had gone viral and sealed the fate of Udayanraje. “Though there is nothing of that kind this time, our party chief has led from the front for the victory of our candidate,” said NCP chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase.

In Kolhapur, Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati has been fielded by the Congress. The Shiv Sena has renominated Sanjay Mandalik. What made the battle intense was the remarks made by Mandalik questioning whether Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati was the real heir to the Kolhapur seat of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “The royal family was hurt by the comment and therefore they have campaigned hard, they have a point to prove,” said Congress leader Satej Patil, who had demanded an apology from Mandalik and had himself directed the Congress campaigning. Kolhapur has always seen around 70 per cent voting and it is believed that the seat might even see more voters turning out because of the prevailing political atmosphere. Both Udayanraje and Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati are descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

In Solapur district, the Solapur city and Madha seats too are witnessing what many believe will be close fights. In Solapur, Congress candidate Praniti Shinde is taking on Ram Satpute of the BJP. BJP had to change its winning MPs twice to field Satpute.

The Congress got a booster dose after VBA candidate suddenly withdrew from the race and slammed the BJP for its perceived attempt to change the constitution in case it gets more than 400 seats. The AIMIM has not fielded its candidate which is another advantage for the Congress. For the Shinde family, this is a crucial election as Praniti’s father, former chief minister and Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, had lost twice before badly.

In Madha constituency, BJP candidate Ranjitnaik Nimbalkar faces an opposition from within. He is taking on Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil, nephew of Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil, who has been fielded by the NCP(SP)

It is believed that the turnout will play a crucial role in the Solapur seats but it will all rest on the soaring mercury. ”We believe the soaring temperature might play a dampner in the Solapur seats. The temperature has touched 45 degrees Celsisus,” said NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil.

However, BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhaye said, “The trend of voting in the first two phases will continue in the third phase as well. It would be over 60 per cent. Also, the fact that Prime Minister held his rallies in several of these seats will lead to a higher turnout.”

In the Sangli seat, the BJP candidate, sitting MP Sanjaykaka Patil faces a challenge from Chandrahar Patil of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress rebel candidate Vishal Patil. The Congress here had remained undecided and had for several days refused to campaign for Vishal Patil. In the last few days of the campaigning, Congress leaders like Vishwajeet Kadam finally campaigned for the MVA candidate.

In Hatkanangle seat, farmer leader Raju Shetti who had lost in the 2019 elections to Dhairyasheel Mane of the Shiv Sena is again up against him. The Sena (UBT) has fielded Satyajit Patil. Sena wanted Raju Shetti to contest on its ticket. However, Shetti said he had rejected any such idea.