BATTLEGROUND VIDARBHA: Mahayuti Fights to Retain Turf, MVA Battles For Prestige Across 11 Districts

Vidarbha, which comprises 62 seats across 11 districts, is in the spotlight this assembly election and likely to play a crucial role in govt formation, making it a fiercely contested region between the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). In 2019, BJP emerged as the dominant force in the region wining 29 seats, followed by Congress at 15, then undivided NCP six and unified Shiv Sena four.Smaller parties and independents, including Prahar Janshakti, secured five seats. Now, after the split in NCP and Shiv Sena and the rise of independents, Vidarbha is set to be a key battleground this time
# East Vidarbha: BJP Faces Resistance In Stronghold | Comprising six districts Nagpur, Wardha, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, and Bhandara, East Vidarbha has historically been a BJP bastion but internal conflicts and a resurgent MVA pose serious challenge to Mahayuti's dominance
Nagpur: BJP & Congress heavyweights here
Nagpur, the district with the highest 12 and politically most significant seats in Vidarbha, is set for high-stakes battles. BJP, which had won 11 seats in 2014, saw its tally fall to six in 2019. Congress would try to capitalise on the anti-incumbency sentiment and hope to reclaim the South and Central constituencies in Nagpur city, where it narrowly lost to BJP in the last election. The party is also aiming to solidify its position in the Nagpur North and West seats, which it won in 2019.
In rural Nagpur, Congress is highlighting farmer distress and local developmental issues, areas which proved Achilles Heel for BJP in 2019. The saffron party is relying on the popularity of its local leaders and organisational strength to hold onto its remaining seats.
Wardha: Battle lines being drawn
BJP is likely to face a tough fight from Congress in Wardha's assembly constituency. In Deoli, it's expected to be a BJP vs Congress or Shiv Sena (UBT) contest, while in Hinganghat, BJP is preparing to defend its seat against NCP (Sharad Pawar). The contest in Arvi is uncertain, with both alliances weighing their options for candidates.
Gadchiroli: Internal conflict in BJP
The tribal-dominated district is politically sensitive, with internal conflicts posing a significant challenge for BJP. BJP MLA from Gadchiroli Dr Deorao Holi has hinted at growing dissent within the party. MVA is pushing hard to unseat the BJP, with NCP (Sharad Pawar) fielding a strong candidate in Bhagyashree Atram for the Aheri seat against her father Dharamrao Baba Atram of NCP (Ajit). In Armori, a Congress-BJP battle is expected to go down to the wire.
Chandrapur: Tough fight on cards
An industrial hub and a BJP stronghold, Chandrapur is expected to see a battle of the giants in its six constituencies. In Chandrapur constituency, both Shiv Sena and BJP are wooing independent MLA Kishor Jorgewar. BJP stalwart Sudhir Mungantiwar, after a tough Lok Sabha election, is now facing strong opposition in his home seat of Ballarpur. In Bramhapuri, Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar is gunning for a third consecutive term. Warora seat, now vacant following then Congress MLA Pratibha Dhanorkar's win in LS poll, may go to Wadettiwar's daughter Shivani, while in Rajura, Congress MLA Subhash Dhote may face a BJP challenger.
Gondia: Strategies being finalised
Independent MLA Vinod Agrawal, now with BJP, is being challenged by Congress's Gopaldas Agrawal in Gondia. In Tiroda, BJP's Vijay Rahangdale will face off against Ravikant Bopche of NCP (Sharad Pawar). The political landscape in Arjuni Moragaon is still unclear, with NCP (Ajit Pawar) expected to finalise its candidate soon. In Amgaon, Congress's Sasharam Korote is gearing up for a tough fight against a yet-to-be-announced BJP candidate.
Bhandara: Allies battling conflicts
Bhandara's all three constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes. Independent MLA Narendra Bhondekar, a Shinde ally, is facing opposition within BJP over his nomination. In Tumsar, NCP's Raju Karemore will face his rival, former MLA Charan Waghmare, now with NCP (Sharad Pawar). Congress is eyeing the seat as well, adding to the intrigue. Sakoli, held by MPCC president Nana Patole, is expected to see a close contest, with multiple BJP contenders vying for ticket.
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# Western Vidarbha: Seat-Sharing Dilemma For MVA | Western Vidarbha, which includes Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, Washim, and Buldhana districts, has traditionally been an MVA stronghold, but BJP had made inroads in the last two elections. However, internal seat-sharing disputes between Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) are complicating their election strategies
Amravati: A hotbed of political activity
Amravati will see fierce electoral contests, especially in the district's main seat. Congress and NCP (Ajit Pawar) are battling it out for dominance, while smaller parties like MNS could complicate matters. In Badnera, Yuva Swabhiman Party's Ravi Rana, a BJP ally, is expected to face Shiv Sena (UBT) or the NCP. Former minister Yashomati Thakur of Congress is eyeing her fourth consecutive victory in Teosa, while other seats such as Dhamangaon Railway and Morshi will see intense BJP vs Congress or NCP battles.
Yavatmal: Congress struggles to retain hold
BJP has gained significant ground in the traditionally Congress-dominated district. Of the seven seats, five are now controlled by BJP. Congress, which still holds sway in Pusad and Digras, is fighting to reclaim lost ground. MVA's seat-sharing talks are still going on, adding uncertainty to their electoral prospects in the district.
Akola: A quadrangular contest looms
Mahayuti, MVA, VBA and Prahar Janshakti are expected to field strong candidates in the district. Akot along with Murtizapur, reserved for Scheduled Castes, will see particularly tough fights, with the BJP hoping to retain its dominance. In Akola West, the BJP must nominate candidates after the death of its veteran leader Govardhandas Sharma while in East it may retain MLA Randhir Sawarkar.
Washim: A triangular battle
In Washim, Karanja and Risod constituencies, a triangular fight is anticipated between Mahayuti, MVA and VBA. The BJP is expected to renominate Lakhan Malik in Washim, but a new face will be selected for Karanja following the death of sitting MLA Rajendra Patni. Congress's Amit Zanak is vying for his fourth term in Risod.
Buldhana: It's Sena (UBT) Vs Sena (Shinde)
Buldhana, traditionally a battleground for the undivided Shiv Sena, will see a clash between Sena (UBT) and Sena (Shinde) in multiple constituencies. Uddhav's Shiv Sena is eyeing the Buldhana and Mehkar seats, while Congress is targeting Malkapur, Chikhli, Jalgaon Jamod, and Khamgaon. The NCP (Sharad Pawar) may field Rajendra Shingane in Sindkhed Raja, though internal friction within the MVA could complicate this race.
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