Khadakwasla Constituency: Controversy surrounds Three-Term winner from Mahayuti; MVA seat dilemma continues
Khadakwasla Constituency: Controversy surrounds Three-Term winner from Mahayuti; MVA seat dilemma continues
The state is buzzing with election excitement as assembly polls are set for November 20. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of 99 candidates, primarily featuring sitting MLAs. However, there’s still uncertainty in the Khadakwasla constituency, where the party has put its current MLA’s candidature on hold.
Negotiations for seat distribution between Mahavikas Aghadi and Mahayuti are ongoing, adding to the unpredictability. Some BJP corporators have voiced their opposition to Bhimrao Tapkir’s possible re-nomination and have met with senior party officials. Other candidates are also competing for the position.
On the other hand, NCP leader and former mayor Dattatray Dhankawade is eager to run for the seat and has started promoting his campaign on social media. After missing out in 2019, he is determined to succeed this time, but he may face difficulties due to internal party rivalries.
Dhankawade has reached out to Ajit Pawar, asking for the seat to be allocated to him.
The name of former opposition leader Dilip Barate is being considered for the Khadakwasla constituency. In 2014, Barate lost to Bhimrao Tapkir by a significant margin of 63,226 votes. Mayur Vanjale, the son of the late MLA Ramesh Vanjale and associated with NCP’s Ajit Pawar faction, is also gearing up to run.
Other candidates in the mix include:
- – Sachin Dodake
- – Bala Dhankawade
- – Kaka Chavan
- – Navnath Parge (a former Zilla Parishad member)
Shiv Sena has a strong foothold in Khadakwasla, with the ideology of the late Balasaheb Thackeray still resonating in the area. Sharad Dhamale, a former Shiv Sena MLA, previously represented this constituency before it was reorganized.
From the Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction, Ramesh Konde, a former Zilla Parishad member, is preparing to contest. Konde had a strong showing in 2019 but withdrew due to alliance considerations.
The BJP’s Prasanna Jagtap, who served as the former Deputy Mayor, is also in the race.
Additionally, Vikas Dangat’s name is gaining popularity in the Khadakwasla Vidhan Sabha constituency. Over the past six months, he has been actively touring the area, meeting residents, and engaging in discussions, effectively covering the entire constituency.
