Mumbai: The first phase in Maharashtra will determine the poll fortunes of 116 candidates in seven constituencies in Vidarbha. More important, it will seal the fate of political heavyweight Nitin Gadkari — the bridge between Nagpur and New Delhi — who is pitted against Congress candidate and former BJP Member of Parliament Nana Patole.
Apart from Nagpur, the focus will be on Chandrapur, the hometown of Mohan Bhagwat, where Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir will take on Raju Dhanorkar, whom Congress has imported from Shiv Sena.
Both seats will also be a referendum on the development works in the two cities, especially Metro in Nagpur. The Congress is essentially counting on the ‘DMK’ factor — the Dalit-Muslim-Kunbi unrest. Specifically among the Kunbis, a dominant caste in Vidarbha region.
Gadkari and the other BJP candidates are heavily relying upon the Modi magic, which they claim has not yet waned. However, the ground reality is not what is being projected in television studios. Modi’s first poll rally began in Wardha – a place where Mahatma Gandhi had spent a few years of his life. The attendance at the rally was hardly anything to write home about.
Poor attendance due to voter fatigue, though the searing heat is a factor, has greeted most BJP leaders, who are banking on a huge turnout. In the first phase, voting will be held in Wardha, Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Chandrapur and Yevatmal- Washim constituencies.
Out of these, Ramtek and Yavatmal are represented by the Shiv Sena, whereas BJP presides over the remaining five seats. Patole had differences with the ruling BJP dispensation and had resigned as BJP MP from Bhandara-Gondiya, before joining the Congress. Patole not only switched over his party but also his constituency but is expected to give a good fight to Gadkari.
In Chandrapur, it is the Sena import Raju Dhanorkar versus BJP union minister Ahir. A talking point in the campaigning was, “Whom do you want – Dudhwala ya Daruwala?’ (Milk seller or liquor seller?). Ahir belongs to the Gawli (Milk seller) community and Dhanorkar happens to be a liquor baron.
However, according to ground reports, Dhanorkar has a stronghold in the constituency. “The anti-incumbency factor will work against the sitting Sena-BJP MPs in this election and the result will be shocking,” claimed Pramod Kakade, a senior journalist from Chandrapur.
“Pulwama attack and Balakot airstrike have changed the narrative for the BJP and lack of leadership, factionalism are a big issue before the Congress. It will be a replay of 2014 in Vidarbha,” claimed a senior government official, on condition of anonymity. Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Railways, on Friday claimed that the BJP is working to win all the 48 seats in Maharashtra and the odds favour of the party.
Constituencies and candidates
•Wardha – Ramdas Tadas (sitting MP of BJP) versus Charulata Tokas (Congress)
• Ramtek – Krupal Tumane (sitting Shiv Sena MP) versus Kishor Gajbhiye (Congress)
• Nagpur – Nitin Gadkari (sitting BJP MP) versus Nana Patole (Congress)
• Bhandara-Gondiya – Sunil Mendhe (BJP) versus Nana Panchbuddhe (NCP)
• Gadchiroli-Chimur – Ashok Nete (sitting BJP MP) versus Dr Namdev Usendi (Congress)
• Chandrapur – Hansraj Ahir (sitting BJP MP) versus Balubhau alias Suresh Dhanorkar (Congress)
• Yavatmal-Washim – Bhavana Gawli (Sitting Sena MP) versus Manikrao Thakre (Congress)
