Sun Nov 24 11:55:18 UTC 2024: **Close Calls in Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Narrow Victories for Prominent Leaders**

MUMBAI, [Date] – The Maharashtra Assembly elections saw several high-profile candidates win by razor-thin margins, highlighting the intense competition in the state. Among the closest races, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole secured victory in Sakoli by a mere 208 votes, overcoming a late surge by his BJP opponent. The lowest margin of victory went to AIMIM’s Mufti Mohammad Ismail Abdul Khalique in Malegaon Central, who triumphed by only 162 votes.

Other notable narrow wins included BJP’s Manda Mhatre in Belapur (377 votes), Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Gaikwad in Buldhana (841 votes), and NCP’s Dilip Walse-Patil in Ambegaon (1,523 votes). Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew, Rohit Pawar, secured a second consecutive win in Karjat-Jamkhed, but only by a margin of 1,243 votes, despite a high-profile campaign rally by Sharad Pawar himself. The election also saw a surprising defeat for MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s son, Amit Thackeray, in his electoral debut in Mahim. He finished third behind Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Mahesh Sawant, who edged out the Shiv Sena candidate by 1,316 votes.

The elections underscored the tight competition across multiple constituencies, with several prominent figures facing unexpectedly close races. The results highlight the fluctuating political landscape and the strength of local-level campaigning in Maharashtra.

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