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As Maharashtra braces itself for the commencement of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the electoral battleground in the state’s east Vidarbha region is set for a riveting contest. Scheduled for April 19, the first phase of polling will witness five constituencies—Nagpur, Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST), Bhandara-Gondiya, Chandrapur, and Ramtek (SC)—taking center stage. With the filing deadline for nominations closing on March 27, political parties have geared up for a high-stakes faceoff.
Congress Sets Sights on All Five Seats:
The Congress party has announced its intent to contest all five seats in the initial phase of the general elections, signaling its determination to challenge the ruling establishment. This move sets the stage for intense battles across constituencies traditionally associated with various political affiliations.
Key Contests in Vidarbha:
- Nagpur: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is set to defend his stronghold in Nagpur, facing off against Congress nominee Vikas Thakre. The seat, synonymous with Gadkari’s political stature, promises a gripping showdown between the veteran leader and his challenger.
- Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST): With tribal demographics and Naxal insurgency concerns dominating the narrative, the constituency witnesses a clash between incumbent MP Ashok Nete (BJP), Dr. Namdev Kirsan (Congress), and Hitesh Madavi (VBA), highlighting diverse electoral dynamics.
- Bhandara-Gondiya: The home turf of Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole becomes a battleground as Dr. Prashant Padole (Congress) squares off against sitting MP Sunil Mendhe (BJP) amidst VBA’s Vasant Rajaram Magar’s candidacy.
- Chandrapur: Maharashtra’s Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar eyes a return to power in Chandrapur, challenged by Pratibha Dhanorkar (Congress) amidst internal party dissent. Rajesh Belle (VBA) adds another dimension to the contest.
- Ramtek (SC): Congress faces internal discord as Rashmi Barve contends for the seat against the backdrop of defections and opposition from within the party. The defection of MLA Raju Parwe to Shiv Sena adds intrigue to the electoral landscape.
Lok Sabha Elections Schedule:
Maharashtra’s electoral journey unfolds across five phases, culminating in the announcement of results on June 4. The 2024 polls, spanning seven phases nationwide, underscore the significance of Maharashtra’s role in shaping the country’s political trajectory.
As the countdown to the Lok Sabha Elections begins, all eyes are on Vidarbha, where the first phase promises to be a defining moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
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