Mumbai: In a decisive move ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Congress has revealed its first list of 48 candidates, featuring prominent leaders and seasoned politicians. This includes senior figures like Congress state president Nana Patole and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. Chavan, a significant player in the party’s Maharashtra politics, will contest from the Karad South constituency, while former Energy Minister Nitin Raut is set to defend his Nagpur North seat.
Spotlight on Key Candidates Across Constituencies
The Congress list emphasizes both experience and regional clout, fielding prominent leaders in strategic locations. Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh, son of former Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, will vie for Latur City, a constituency with a legacy of Congress influence. Another stalwart, Vijay Balasaheb Thorat, a former minister and experienced campaigner, will represent Sangamner.
In Nagpur, a BJP stronghold, Congress is betting big on established names to counter the opposition. Praful Vinod Rao will contest Nagpur South West, while Bunty Baba Shelke, Vikas Thackeray, and Nitin Kashinath Raut are positioned in Nagpur Central, Nagpur West, and Nagpur North respectively, aiming to regain the city’s support.
Congress Candidates by Constituency
Expanding across Maharashtra’s diverse regions, the list includes Rajendra Kumar Gavit (Shahada), Kiran Tadavi (Nandurbar), and Praveen Chaure (Sakri). Other notable candidates include Rahul Bondre (Chikhli), Virendra Jagtap (Dhamangaon Railway), and Anirudh Deshmukh (Achalpur). Prominent urban constituencies are also represented, with Mohd. Arif Khan in Chandivali, Dr. Jyoti Gaikwad in Dharavi, and Aslam Sheikh in Malad West.
85-Seat Formula in Mahavikas Aghadi Alliance
As part of the Mahavikas Aghadi coalition alongside Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Congress will contest 85 of the 288 seats, with each party receiving an equal share. Negotiations are ongoing for 17 additional seats, which are expected to be allocated among smaller parties in the alliance.
This early announcement signals Congress’s resolve to strategically field a mix of experienced leaders and emerging voices, aiming to strengthen its hold in Maharashtra and counter the opposition’s influence in the upcoming state elections.
