Fri Oct 25 22:59:15 UTC 2024: **Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 Summary:**
– **Election Preparations:** Political parties in Maharashtra are actively strategizing for the upcoming assembly elections, with tensions rising as candidates for various seats are finalized.
– **NCP Setback:** Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) faces a setback as Mumbai president Sameer Bhujbal resigns. He was hoping to contest from the Nandgaon constituency but is unable to secure the ticket due to a candidate from CM Eknath Shinde’s faction of Shiv Sena already contesting there. As a result, Bhujbal plans to run as an independent.
– **Candidate List:** On October 23, the NCP released its first list of 38 candidates for the elections. Ajit Pawar is contesting from the Baramati seat. The list also includes 26 legislators who supported him during the party’s internal shift.
– **Notable Candidates:** The list features candidates like Sulabha Khodke from Amaravati, Heerman Khoskar from Igatpuri, and Bharat Gavit, son of late Congress leader Manikrao Gavit, from Nawapur. The party has also included Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal for the Dindori seat and former BJP leader Rajkumar Badole for the Arjuni-Morgaon constituency.
– **Election Date:** Voting for the 288 assembly seats will take place on November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.
– **Political Dynamics:** The article emphasizes ongoing tensions among major parties, including Congress and Shiv Sena, as they vie for dominance in the state, while highlighting Ajit Pawar’s continued influence.
First Piper 