The 2024 general elections have been a critical test for major political alliances, including the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition and the INDIA bloc, which comprises Congress, NCP, and other regional parties. In Thane, traditionally a Shiv Sena stronghold, the results will reflect the impact of the recent split in the party. Mumbai, with its six constituencies, Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South and Mumbai South Central remains a significant battleground where both national and local issues are at play.
Pune, a vital economic hub, is expected to see intense competition with candidates focusing on urban development and infrastructure. In Nagpur, the home constituency of senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, the focus will be on whether he retains his influence amid rising challenges. Raigad, which has oscillated between Shiv Sena and NCP in past elections, is another seat to watch closely for any shifts in voter sentiment.
Who all are leading in Maharashtra now?
According to 11.30 am trends, the BJP and Congress are leading in 11 seats each. The NCP is leading in one seat, the NCP (SP) in 8 seats, SHS in 6 seats, SHS UBT in 10 seats, and IND in one seat. AIMIM isn’t leading in any seat.
A quick look at leading, trailing parties in MMR region
According to 11.30 am trends, the BJP and Congress are leading in 11 seats each. The NCP is leading in one seat, the NCP (SP) in 8 seats, SHS in 6 seats, SHS UBT in 10 seats, and IND in one seat. AIMIM isn’t leading in any seat.
Who is leading in Mumbai North West?
In Mumbai North West, Ravindra Waikar is leading by over 6,822 votes. Shiv Sena UBT candidate and son of sitting MP Gajanan Kirtikar, Amol Kirtikar, is trailing.
The Pune Lok Sabha seat is set to be a heated contest between the BJP and the Congress, both of which view this election as a matter of prestige. The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) is making every effort to retain the seat it has held for the past two terms, while the Congress is going all out to reclaim its former stronghold. In Pune after the death of BJP’s sitting MP Girish Bapat, the party has fielded former mayor Murlidhar Mohol this time. Whereas the Congress has fielded legislator Ravindra Dhangekar, a popular face who defeated the BJP in the Kasba assembly bypoll last year.
But the battle for Pune got overshadowed by the fierce campaigning in adjoining Baramati, the family turf of the Pawars. Here, Pawar’s daughter and three-term MP Supriya Sule contested against Sunetra Pawar, the wife of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The Baramati Lok Sabha constituency has been a Pawar bastion for decades since Pawar Sr entered politics. He represented the constituency six times before handing it over to Sule in 2009. However, the split within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) last year after Ajit Pawar parted ways with his uncle led to this clash between the Pawar family in Baramati.
Along with Firecrackers slogans “Supriya Tai tum aage badho, ham tumhare saath hai” and “Maharashtra cha Bulnd awaaj Sharad Pawar, Sharad Pawar” slogans were chanted by supporters outside Sharad Pawar’s office in Baramati. The celebration is a result of Supriya Sule’s consolidating lead against Sunetra Pawar with Sule securing 97000 againt Sunetra’s 83000 votes as of now.
The office is packed with party workers and well-wishers glued to the TV eyeing every update of the results.
“Tai’s work is our biggest win”, said Dr BD Gaikwad, Maharashtra state Karya adhyakshw, Sahitya kala sanskrutik vibhaag, NCP (SP). He said that the work Sharad Pawar has done as a leader over the years, taking the commong man along with him at every step, is something people will never forget. There is no doubt the lead with continue and Tai will win.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar’s office in Baramati is desserted, with only a watchman at the door who informs everyone is in Pune where the votes are being counted.
