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The Shirur constituency in Maharashtra has been a focal point of political intrigue long before the onset of the Lok Sabha elections. The ongoing rivalry between the current MP, Amol Kolhe, and the challenge posed to him by Ajit Pawar has captured statewide attention. Now, Ajit Pawar has made a strategic maneuver against Amol Kolhe by nominating Shivajirao Adharao Patal, a candidate from his NCP party, to contest from Shirur.
The decision was reportedly finalized during a significant meeting held at Dilip Mohite’s bungalow, where Ajit Pawar himself made the announcement. Interestingly, Pawar disclosed that Nana Patekar was also approached for the candidacy in Shirur, but he declined the offer. With this revelation, Pawar asserted that Shivaji Adha Rao would be the chosen candidate, emphasizing his commitment not to interfere with the work of MLAs once elected as an MP.
Amol Kolhe, representing the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP, currently holds the MP seat in Shirur. However, after an internal rebellion within the party, Kolhe aligned himself with Sharad Pawar’s group, sparking speculation about the Mahayuti alliance’s nomination in Shirur. Ajit Pawar’s direct threat to Kolhe further intensified the spotlight on Shirur, hinting at potential discord within the grand alliance.
The constituency witnessed a power struggle between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s NCP. However, Shirur eventually fell under Ajit Pawar’s domain. As a result, Adha Rao, keen on contesting the Lok Sabha elections, decided to join the NCP directly.
The looming question now is whether Ajit Pawar can sway the electorate of Shirur by fielding Athar Rao as the candidate. Historically, voters in Shirur have oscillated between Shiv Sena’s Shivaji Adha Rao Patal and NCP’s Amol Kolhe. Despite Kolhe’s victory in the 2019 elections, Ajit Pawar played a pivotal role in his electoral success. However, the current scenario presents a different narrative, with Ajit Pawar aiming to oust Kolhe from Shirur’s political landscape.
The upcoming elections will determine whether Ajit Pawar’s calculated move will secure victory for his chosen candidate and herald a new era in Shirur’s political dynamics. Only time will unveil the outcome of this high-stakes political maneuvering in one of Maharashtra’s pivotal constituencies.
