Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Over 4,000 Candidates Remain in the Fray for 288 Seats
A total of 4,140 candidates are set to contest for 288 Maharashtra Assembly seats after the nomination withdrawal deadline concluded. The polls are scheduled for November 20, with results to be announced on November 23.
In the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls, a total of 4,140 candidates are in the fray for 288 seats, an increase of 28% compared to the 2019 polls. Major constituencies like Majalgaon in Beed have 34 candidates, while Shahada seat in Nandurbar has just three candidates. Mumbai will see 36 candidates, while Pune district will have 30 candidates for 21 seats. The withdrawal of nominations left the Congress disappointed as candidates like Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati withdrew, causing concerns in Kolhapur North seat.
The election scenario also saw interesting developments as political candidates withdrew their nominations in different constituencies. The BJP saw former MP Gopal Shetty withdraw from the Borivali seat, while former MP Nana Kate withdrew from the Chinchwad seat in Pune district. The Shiv Sena gained when seven Congress rebels withdrew their nominations, including Hema Patil from Nashik Central and Madhu Chavan from Byculla. Shiv Sena's rebel candidates from Deola and Dindori also pulled out their nominations.
In other constituencies, the BJP faced challenges as State Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Patil could not persuade party colleague Rajendra Pipada to withdraw from the Shirdi seat. However, the BJP gained when Mukhtar Shaikh withdrew from the Kasba Peth seat in Pune and extended support to the party's official candidate.
Overall, the electoral scenario in Maharashtra has witnessed numerous twists and turns as candidates jostle for seats ahead of the poll date on November 20.