NCP-SP rebel Satyajit Patankar takes on Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraje Desai in Patan assembly seat in Satara. (Express Photo By Pavan Khengre,10.11.24,Satara,Maharashtra)
Extending the decades-old tussle between two political dynasties in Satara district, NCP (SP) rebel Satyajit Patankar will take on sitting legislator and Shiv Sena minister Sambhuraje Desai in Patan in the Maharashtra Assembly polls 2024.
Satyajit Patankar is the son of six-time legislator and former minister Vikramsinh Patankar, who has been a close associate of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar throughout his political career.
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Interestingly, the Patan Assembly constituency has only elected candidates hailing from either the Patankar or the Desai family since 1962. Balasaheb Desai, the grandfather of Shambhuraje Desai, was the legislator from 1962 to 1983, Vikramsinh Patankar from 1983 to 2004 and 2009 to 2014, and Shambhuraje Desai from 2004 to 2009 and again from 2014.
“I was firm on contesting the Assembly election. I could not get the ticket of my party as the seat went to Shiv Sena (UBT) in the seat-sharing arrangement. Therefore, I decided to contest as an Independent,” said Satyajit Patankar.
Satyajit Patankar alleged that despite being a cabinet minister, Shambhuraje Desai failed to carry out development works in the constituency. (Express Photo By Pavan Khengre,10.11.24,Satara,Maharashtra)
The margin in the 2019 Assembly elections between Shambhuraje Desai and Satyajit Patankar was a few thousand and in the recently held Lok Sabha elections, the NCP(SP) nominee had got the lead in the Assembly segment over BJP candidate Udayanraje Bhosale.
Satyajit Patankar alleged that despite being a cabinet minister, Shambhuraje Desai failed to carry out development works in the constituency, leading to the migration of residents to Pune and Mumbai. “Desai didn’t bring any industry but his action led to the closure of projects that would have boosted employment,” he added.
Shambhuraje Desai, on the other hand, claimed that the constituency got its largest-ever share of development funds under his leadership. “The basic infrastructure has got a boost… the constituency is spread over a larger area due to hilly terrain,” said Milind Gholap, a supporter of the Shiv Sena minister.
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“There were only discussions by the opponents… whereas Desai has begun the process of promoting tourism in the area,” he added.
“The Shiv Sena under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has launched many welfare schemes for women, youth, and farmers, which have benefited the residents of the constituency, too, in a big way,” said another Shambhuraje Desai supporter Suresh Lad.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Harshad Kadam from the Patan constituency, which will go to the polls along with the rest of the state on November 20. The counting will be held on November 23.
Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra.
Expertise
Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting.
Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in:
Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps.
Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra.
Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development.
Investigative and Policy Impact:
National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism.
Additional Interests
Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues.
Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More
