Pune: In a transformative result for the western Maharashtra region, historically a stronghold of the Congress and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, the Mahayuti alliance achieved significant success in the latest assembly elections.
Known for its progressive political leanings, the region witnessed a shift toward the Mahayuti alliance, which successfully leveraged a Hindu nationalist platform. This shift led to the loss of prominent leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and left Congress with only two seats in the region.
In the district’s 21 assembly seats, BJP retained its stronghold in Pune city, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of the NCP maintained his influence in the rural regions.
Congress faced a near-total loss, while the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) retained only one seat, indicating a diminishing influence in the region. Both Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) won one seat each to retain their foothold, while MNS could not secure any seats.
BJP showcased its influence by winning nine seats in the district—six in Pune city, two in Pimpri-Chinchwad, and one in the rural area. Ajit Pawar’s NCP won eight seats across rural Pune, Pune city, and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
However, the NCP lost Khed-Alandi and Junnar constituencies, which went to Shiv Sena (UBT) and an independent candidate, respectively. The NCP (SP) managed to retain only the Wadgaon Sheri constituency.
In comparison, BJP held eight seats in the previous election, Congress had three, and the previously united NCP held ten seats.
Vikhe Patil Secures Triple Victory in Nagar District
In Ahilyanagar district, Congress stalwart Balasaheb Thorat, who had won eight consecutive elections, faced an unexpected defeat, alongside Rani Lanke, wife of MP Nilesh Lanke.
The Mahayuti’s triumph here has solidified Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil’s dominance in the district. This result is seen as a personal triumph for Vikhe, as his historic rival Balasaheb Thorat and Rani Lanke, who defeated his son Dr. Sujay Vikhe in a recent Lok Sabha election, both lost.
Key issues like "Ladki Bahin" (beloved sister), "Batenge toh Katenge" (divided we fall), and "Ek hai toh safe hai" (staying united is safe) added intensity to this election, alongside localized factional rivalries.
Six former legislators who ran as rebels were defeated, and former minister Shankarrao Gadakh lost in Newasa constituency. Notably, all rebel candidates failed to win.
Sharad Pawar’s Decreasing Influence in Region
While western Maharashtra has long supported Sharad Pawar, the recent party division posed new challenges for him, limiting his influence to only four seats in Solapur. Elsewhere, the NCP under Pawar struggled to maintain its earlier hold.