As India gears up for the crucial 2024 general elections, several constituencies across the nation are poised to witness significant electoral battles. In Maharashtra and Goa, specifically in Baramati, Satara, Kolhapur, Mumbai North Central, and South Goa constituencies, the political landscape is shaping up for intriguing contests. Let’s delve into the dynamics and key players in these constituencies.
Baramati Constituency
Baramati, located in Maharashtra’s Pune district, is historically known as a stronghold of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This constituency has been represented by Sharad Pawar, a veteran politician and NCP chief. However, Baramati is likely to witness an interesting challenge due to changing political equations, in the Pawar family itself. Baramati’s dynamics will revolve around local issues such as agriculture, rural development, and water management.
Adding an intriguing layer to the contest is the internal family feud within the Pawar clan. Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar and a prominent NCP leader, will face off against her sister-in-law, Sunetra Pawar. This family rift emerged following a party split last year, which saw Sunetra Pawar, led by Ajit Pawar, and her faction charting an independent political course. The electoral battle between Supriya Sule and Sunetra Pawar not only highlights the intricacies of Maharashtra politics but also underscores the intersection of familial dynamics with political ambitions on the electoral stage.
Satara Constituency
Satara, another significant constituency in Maharashtra, has witnessed a mix of political affiliations in recent years. In 2019, Satara saw a sensational contest when NCP leader Udayanraje Bhosale switched sides to join the BJP but lost the by polls to NCP’s Shriniwas Patil. However, the landscape might change in 2024.
The NCP is keen on reclaiming Satara, and the upcoming elections will likely witness a fierce battle between the NCP and BJP. Udayanraje Bhosale’s contesting this elections and the BJP’s organizational strength will be tested against the NCP’s local network and traditional voter base.
Kolhapur Constituency
Kolhapur, known for its rich cultural heritage and economic diversity, presents a unique electoral landscape. The seat has historically been contested keenly between the Congress and NCP alliances. However, the BJP has made inroads here in recent years. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj is the candidate from INC while Sanjay Mandlik is contesting on Shiv Sena seat, supported by the BJP and NDA supporters. The issues of regional development, industry, and agriculture will dominate the electoral discourse in this constituency. Even here, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj who was once close with the BJP had moved away from them due to differences. Later he was seen favouring the Maha Vikas Aaghadi and after much lobbying, Shahu Maharaj was declared as a candidate from this constituency.
Mumbai North Central Constituency
Mumbai North Central, an urban constituency, is often a battleground for high-profile candidates. In the 2019 elections, the BJP’s Poonam Mahajan secured this seat. However, with Mumbai’s dynamic demographics and evolving socio-economic landscape, the 2024 elections could see new challenges. The contest here will revolve around urban infrastructure, employment, and youth-centric issues. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena could also play pivotal roles in shaping the electoral dynamics.
Sitting MP Poonam Mahajan not being given the ticket is not the news, but replacing her with a former Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Possibly the only seat where no one is upset in the BJP on replacement of a sitting MP. Nikam is know more for successfully concluding the case against Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab, who along with 9 other terrorist had stormed into international hotels like Taj Mahal, Trident and several public places, shooting innocent lives indiscriminately. Congress’ Varsha Gaikwad’s candidature was announced from this seat at the very last moment after she had made couple of trips to Delhi, expressing her angst regarding the way Mumbai Congress and the ticket distribution was being done.
South Goa Constituency
Moving to the coastal state of Goa, which is a significant parliamentary seat characterised by its mix of urban and rural demographics. Though in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress won this seat comfortably, it has never been with one party, like the North Goa seat, which has been with the BJP for the last 5 editions. However, South Goa’s political landscape is known for its unpredictability and this season the Congress is on the ground with INDI Alliance. The issues of tourism, environment, and governance will dominate the electoral narrative. Women entrepreneur Pallavi Dempo, the last minute entry in the BJP, is contesting from this South Goa seat against Captain (Retd.) Viriato Fernandes.
Conclusion
The 2024 general elections in India promise intense and closely contested battles in constituencies like Baramati, Satara, Kolhapur, Mumbai North Central, and South Goa. These contests will not only determine the composition of the next parliament but also reflect the evolving political preferences and aspirations of diverse Indian voters. The outcomes in these constituencies will be crucial in shaping Maharashtra and Goa’s political landscape in the coming years.
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