Maharashtra polls: Cong to NCP, it won't be a cakewalk for political dynasties

Solapur/Latur: Members of the dominant political families are likely to face tough fights this time in the assembly polls after two major alliances snapped ties last month.

The list includes Amit Deshmukh, who is son of the late Congress leader Vilasrao Deshmukh, former chief minister Ashok Chavan’s wife Amita, Praniti Shinde, who is the daughter of former union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Nitesh Rane the son of former industries minister Narayan Rane, former PWD minister Chhagan Bhujbal’s son Pankaj Bhujbal and former minister Ganesh Naik’s son Sandeep Naik.

Amit Deshmukh, who was inducted in the state cabinet a few months before the state polls, is contesting from Latur city constituency. He is challenged by his former aide and BJP candidate Shailesh Lahoti. Many in Latur admit the development work done by Deshmukh in city but say that the fight is not easy this time. “My poll campaign is based on the development work done in last 15 years. The situation during the Lok Sabha polls was different but it will not work in assembly election. Still, we are careful and making all possible efforts,” said Amit Deshmukh, who is facing the first election after his father’s death in 2012, speaking to Firstpost.

He added that the Modi wave is on the wane and this can be seen from the results of recently held by-polls in Uttar Pradesh and other states.

Former chief minister Ashok Chavan’s wife Amita, is contesting from Bhokar constituency in Nanded that he once held. BJP has fielded Madhav Kinhalkar, who had filed a case of paid news against Ashok Chavan, against her. Chavan has been tasked with winning maximum seats in the Marathwada region and his prestige is at stake now. Troubles for him began after former Congress leader and his brother-in-law Bhaskarrao Khatgaonkar joined the BJP in last month. Khatgaonkar has considerable base in the district, which is likely to have an impact on the election. Also, the rising presence of NCP is worrying factor for Chavan as it could eat into their votes. Still, Congress leaders are confident of retaining the seat.

The Shindes face a similar challenge in the Solapur city central constituency. Sushilkumar Shide’s daughter Praniti, is challenged by Shiv Sena candidate Mahesh Kothe, a former close Shinde family aide, who has now turned opponent.

Veteran leftist Narsayya Adam, publicly known as ‘Adam master’, BJP’s Mohini Patki and NCP’s Vidya Lolge are also in the fray, making it a tough battle for Praniti. Apart from anti-incumbency, the constituency has 19 percent Muslim vote share that will play a key role. But, it is likely to be divided this time with all parties contesting the polls separately. “We are promising to build 50,000 affordable houses under Rajiv Awas Yojana for the unorganised labour in the constituency,” said Adam, the CPI(M) candidate, who is credited with successfully implementing the scheme and providing 10,000 houses in 2006.

Where Congress campaign committee chief Narayan Rane’s home turf is concerned, he has double task of not only ensuring a win for himself from Kudal constituency, but also for his son Nitesh who is contesting assembly election for the first time from neighbouring Kankavali constituency. In the Lok Sabha election, Rane’s elder son Nilesh suffered a humiliating defeat in the family stronghold to Shiv Sena, due to the alleged high-handedness of the Rane family. Then, the NCP leaders in the region had refused to campaign for Nilesh.

Other candidates in Kankavali constituency are Pramod Jathar of BJP, Subhash Mayekar of Shiv Sena and Atul Raorane from NCP. But, the Rane family believes that a few Congress leaders stabbed them in the back by working against them in Lok Sabha polls and says that they have taken corrective measures this time.

Similar to Rane, senior NCP leader and former PWD minister Chhagan Bhujbal also has to ensure a win for himself and his son. While he is contesting from Yeola constituency, his son Pankaj is seeking a second term from the drought-prone assembly constituency of Nandgaon in Nashik. Chhagan Bhujbal was defeated in the Lok Sabha election. Suhas Kande, who was close to Bhujbal family, is now contesting the election on a Shiv Sena ticket against Pankaj. Also in the fray are Anil Aher of Congress, Advay Hire of BJP and Jayant Sanap from MNS. According to observers, the election will be a tough one for Bhujbals as they are lacking the support of followers.

Finally, former minister Ganesh Naik’s son Sandeep will also fight the battle against his cousin Vaibhav, who is a BJP candidate and Congress’ Ramakant Mhatre from Airoli constituency in Thane.