Pune: Mahesh Landge Wins Third Consecutive Term in Maharashtra, Defeats NCP-SP Rival by 50,000 Votes

Pune: Mahesh Landge Wins Third Consecutive Term in Maharashtra, Defeats NCP-SP Rival by 50,000 Votes
Sitting MLA Mahesh Landge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won his third consecutive term, defeating the Nationalist Congress Party – Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) candidate by over 50,000 votes. Despite being a well-liked leader, Landge faced considerable anti-incumbency feelings and dissatisfaction within his alliance due to claims of unfulfilled promises.
He also dealt with rebellions, as several leaders, including Ajit Gavhane and Ravi Landge, left the Mahayuti to join Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) to o p pose him. Landge is known for his mass appeal, largely due to his wrestling background, bullock cart racing, and memorable speeches in the Maharashtra Assembly. However, the sympathy for Sharad Pawar and the vigorous campaigning by Shirur MP Dr. Amol Kolhe worked against him. Additionally, the campaign by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received mixed responses.
With 5.86 lakh registered voters and a turnout of 61.14%, there was significant uncertainty regarding the election results. Nonetheless, Mahesh Landge secured a comfortable victory with a margin of 50,000 votes.