Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Five Key Constituencies to Watch

Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest state, heads to the polls on Wednesday, November 19, to elect a 288-member legislative assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress are vying for dominance, while their allies—Shiv Sena, Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and NCP (SP)—jockey for influence in the state’s political landscape.  

The high-stakes elections have seen extensive campaigning, with national leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra traversing the state to rally support.  

Among the 288 seats, 234 are in the general category, 29 are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), and 25 for Scheduled Tribes (ST). From 7,078 valid nominations, 4,140 candidates remain in the fray following 2,938 withdrawals, according to the state chief electoral office.  

Here are five key constituencies to watch closely in this election:  

1. Worli: A High-Profile Contest  

The Worli constituency in Mumbai is witnessing a three-way contest between:  

• Milind Deora (Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde faction)  
• Aaditya Thackeray (Shiv Sena, UBT faction)  
• Sandeep Deshpande (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, MNS)  

Milind Deora, a seasoned politician and former MP, hopes to leverage his appeal among urban middle-class voters. His extensive political experience, including ministerial roles during the UPA government, could give him an edge.  

Aaditya Thackeray, who secured a landslide victory in Worli in 2019, remains a strong contender. His proactive role during the COVID-19 crisis and established rapport with the constituency further bolster his chances.  

Sandeep Deshpande, representing the MNS, focuses on local issues like housing and infrastructure, appealing primarily to Marathi-speaking voters.  

2. Baramati: The Pawar Family Showdown

Baramati, a bastion of the Pawar family, is set for a dramatic clash:  

Ajit Pawar (Deputy CM, NCP SP faction)  

Yugendra Pawar (Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew, NCP)  

Ajit Pawar, a seven-time MLA from Baramati, is the clear frontrunner, having secured over 83% of the vote share in 2019.  

Yugendra Pawar, making his political debut, represents the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction. As a fresh face, Yugendra may attract voters seeking change while benefitting from his family’s legacy.  

3. Vandre East: A Heated Battle  

The Vandre East constituency in Mumbai is witnessing a fierce fight between:  

• Zeeshan Siddique (Congress)  
• Varun Sardesai (Shiv Sena, UBT faction)  

Zeeshan Siddique, popular among young and Muslim voters, focuses on grassroots issues and public engagement. Sympathy over the death of his father, Baba Siddique, may also work in his favor.  

Varun Sardesai, Uddhav Thackeray’s nephew, is rallying the traditional Shiv Sena vote base while leveraging his loyalty during the 2022 party split.  

4. Nagpur South West: Fadnavis Holds Ground

Nagpur South West, a BJP stronghold, features:  

• Devendra Fadnavis (Deputy CM, BJP)  
• Praful Gudadhe (Congress)  

Devendra Fadnavis, a three-term MLA from the constituency, is aiming for his fourth victory. His solid political credentials and development work remain his strengths.  

Praful Gudadhe, with deep grassroots connections, could tap into any anti-incumbency sentiments or voter dissatisfaction with urban infrastructure and public services.  

5. Kopri-Pachpakhadi: A Legacy at Stake

In Thane’s Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency, the contest is between:  

• Eknath Shinde (Chief Minister, Shiv Sena, Shinde faction)  
• Kedar Dighe (Shiv Sena, UBT faction)  

Eknath Shinde, a close associate of the late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe, is banking on his mentor’s legacy. Shinde’s efforts to immortalize Dighe, including financing the film Dharmaveer 2, highlight his deep ties to the constituency.  

Kedar Dighe, Anand Dighe’s nephew, represents a challenge to Shinde by appealing to voters loyal to the late leader’s memory.  

The Road Ahead

As Maharashtra gears up for its assembly elections, these key constituencies reflect the complex political dynamics of the state. The results will not only determine the assembly’s composition but also shape alliances and strategies in the run-up to the 2024 general elections.