The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections are heating up as both the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) reveal their candidate lists. With political strategies intensifying across the state, key players like Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil will take the stage, representing major political families and influential leaders.
NCP’s First List of Candidates for Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024
In a significant move, the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) announced its first list of 45 candidates. This list has created ripples in the political landscape, especially with the decision to field Yugendra Pawar, the son of Shrinivas Pawar, against his uncle and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the Baramati constituency. This battle within the family is expected to capture the attention of the public, given the political stature of Ajit Pawar, making Baramati a key constituency to watch.
Another notable candidate is Jayant Patil, a senior leader in the NCP, who will contest from Islampur. Patil has been a long-time representative of this region and is expected to face significant opposition, but his stronghold in Islampur makes him a formidable contender.
Former NCP minister Jitendra Awhad has also been given a ticket from Mumbra, further highlighting the party’s emphasis on familiar names and seasoned politicians.
Congress Candidate List for 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections
Simultaneously, the Indian National Congress has also released its candidate list for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. The Congress has fielded candidates across multiple constituencies, from established political figures to emerging leaders. Here are some key highlights from the Congress candidate list:
- Adv. K.C. Padavi – Contesting from Akkalkuwa (ST), a tribal seat with a strong Congress presence.
- Rajendrakumar Krushnarao Gavit – Shahada (ST), focusing on tribal welfare and community development.
- Kiran Damodar Tadavi – Representing Nandurbar (ST), Tadavi has been a strong advocate for tribal rights and economic empowerment.
- Pravin Bapu Choure – Sakri (ST), another key candidate in the tribal belt.
- Kunal Rohidas Patil – Contesting from Dhule Rural, a region known for its agricultural challenges.
- Adv. Dhananjay Shirish Choudhari – A prominent name in Raver, expected to boost Congress’s prospects in this constituency.
Key Candidates in Urban Maharashtra
In the urban political battleground, the Congress has also placed significant bets on high-profile leaders. The party has included:
- Amit Subhashrao Zanak from Risod
- Prof. Virendra Valmikrao Jagtap from Dhamangaon Railway
- Dr. Sunil Deshmukh from Amaravati
- Adv. Yashomati Chandrakant Thakur from Teosa
The urban constituencies of Nagpur, Mira Bhayandar, and Malad West will see Congress fielding strong candidates like Praful Vinodrao Gudadhe and Aslam R. Shaikh, respectively. These regions are crucial for Congress as it seeks to regain its urban voter base.
Rural Powerhouses in the Congress List
Maharashtra’s rural landscape continues to be a battleground for Congress, with candidates like Vikas P. Thakre from Nagpur West and Dr. Nitin Kashinath Raut from Nagpur North (SC) being strategically placed to win in the influential rural constituencies.
In Latur, a key district in the Marathwada region, Congress has fielded the sons of former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh:
- Dhiraj Vilasrao Deshmukh from Latur Rural
- Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh from Latur City
The Deshmukh family holds considerable influence in this region, making these seats critical for the Congress’s success.
Strategic Choices and Challenges Ahead
For the Congress party, contesting the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections is a chance to rebuild its image and win back lost ground in the state. With a diverse candidate pool from various regions and communities, the party is striving to reflect Maharashtra’s socio-political fabric. However, it faces strong competition from not only the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but also the splintered factions within the NCP, making these elections a high-stakes contest.
The inclusion of tribal candidates in constituencies like Nandurbar, Sakri, and Akkalkuwa underscores Congress’s commitment to addressing the concerns of marginalized communities. Meanwhile, fielding candidates in urban powerhouses such as Nagpur, Mira Bhayandar, and Dharavi aims to strengthen the party’s urban appeal.
Conclusion: All Eyes on Maharashtra 2024
The Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 are shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in recent history. With major political parties such as the NCP and Congress releasing their candidate lists, voters are now waiting to see who will emerge victorious. The inclusion of high-profile leaders, family rivalries, and the selection of strategic constituencies have raised the stakes even higher.
As the election season intensifies, the focus will be on how these parties manage their campaigns and whether they can sway the electorate. The results will not only determine the political future of Maharashtra but will also have significant implications for national politics.
The 2024 Maharashtra elections will undoubtedly be a defining moment for both the Congress and NCP as they navigate a politically charged landscape, aiming to secure a foothold in this key state.