The Amravati election has become a puzzle for many, with seven out of eight seats in the district witnessing a complex multi-cornered contest. The battleground is filled with a mix of national parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, state and regional parties, as well as a variety of Independent and rebel candidates, including BJP-backed Independent MLA Ravi Rana.
In this unique scenario, the usual face-off between the BJP and Congress, which dominates the region, is not the primary focus. Instead, both parties are only directly clashing in four seats, with additional players entering the fray. The last assembly election saw the Congress securing three seats, the BJP winning one seat, and the PJP emerging victorious in two seats.
One of the key contenders in the elections is the PJP led by Bachchu Kadu, who is seeking a fifth term from Achalpur. The party is contesting in four seats in Amravati. Despite being part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the NCP is facing tough competition in some constituencies. In the Amravati assembly constituency, the shift of Congress MLA Sulbha Khodke to Ajit Pawar’s camp has added an interesting dynamic to the race.
The BJP and Congress are engaged in a head-to-head battle in Teosa, with Congress MLA Yashomati Thakur facing a tough challenge from BJP’s Rajesh Wankhade. In Dhamangaon Railway, the contest between sitting MLA Pratap Adsad of the BJP and Virendra Jagtap of the Congress is reminiscent of the last election.
The seat-sharing agreements have also led to internal clashes within parties, like in Daryapur, where the Shiv Sena (UBT) is fielding candidates against each other. Additionally, Independent candidates like Ramesh Bundile are making the competition fierce by garnering support and challenging established party candidates.
In the Badnera seat, Independent MLA Ravi Rana seems to have an edge, despite facing competition from a BJP rebel and a candidate from the Sena (UBT). The PJP, under the leadership of Bachchu Kadu, has emerged as a strong contender in the district, with Kadu looking to secure another term in Achalpur.
As the election unfolds, the dynamics of the political landscape in Amravati are continuously evolving, presenting a challenging scenario for all parties involved. With a mix of established players, rebel candidates, and regional parties vying for victory, the final outcome remains uncertain, adding to the intrigue of the electoral riddle in the district.