Congress Declares Four Candidates for Maharashtra Lok Sabha Polls

Mumbai, March 23 - In a significant political development, the Congress party announced its candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, setting the stage for key electoral battles. Among the notable declarations is the candidature of MLA Vikas Thakre, who will contest against Union Minister and BJP heavyweight Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur. This announcement is part of the Congress's strategy as a member of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which has now revealed 11 candidates for the state. Maharashtra, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, plays a pivotal role in the national electoral landscape.

The latest list from Congress includes candidates for four constituencies: Nagpur, Ramtek SC, Bhandara-Gondiya, and Gadchiroli-Chimur. These areas are part of the five constituencies in Maharashtra that will participate in the first phase of voting on April 19. Vikas Thakre, representing Nagpur West in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, has been chosen to challenge Nitin Gadkari for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat. The other candidates announced by Congress are Rashmi Barve for Ramtek, Prashant Padole for Bhandara-Gondiya, and Namdeo Kirsan for Gadchiroli-Chimur.

Rashmi Barve currently serves as the president of the Nagpur Zilla Parishad. The selection process within Congress saw senior leader Nitin Raut expressing his preference for his son Kunal Raut to contest from Ramtek, a constituency reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates. However, Barve was ultimately chosen for the seat.

In Chandrapur, another constituency gearing up for the first phase of elections, Congress faces a decision between Vijay Wadettiwar's daughter Shivani and local MLA Pratibha Dhanorkar. It's worth noting that Chandrapur was the only Lok Sabha seat won by Congress in Maharashtra during the 2019 elections. On the opposing side, BJP has fielded state minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to contest from Chandrapur.

With the deadline for filing nominations set for March 27, political activities have intensified across Maharashtra. The selections made by Congress reflect its strategic considerations and alliances within the state. As candidates gear up for their electoral campaigns, all eyes are on these key constituencies that could influence the overall outcome of the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra.