Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: Once United, These Political Families Are Now Divided; Check List Inside

The political scene in Vidarbha, Maharashtra, is witnessing family rivalries as members from the same households compete for seats in the upcoming legislative assembly elections. Long-standing family ties are being tested as fathers, daughters, brothers, and even estranged spouses vie for electoral success.

In Aheri, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra's Food and Drugs Minister and four-time MLA, Dharamraobaba Atram, is facing his daughter, Bhagyashree Atram-Halgekar, in a direct contest. Dharamraobaba, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate, competes against Bhagyashree, who represents the NCP (SP). This father-daughter rivalry has stirred the local political landscape, with both candidates determined to secure the seat. Dharamraobaba's nephew, Ambarish, also entered the race as an Independent, making the contest a three-way family feud.

Photo Credit: PTI

In Saoner, two brothers, Dr Amol Deshmukh and Dr Ashish Deshmukh, find themselves on opposite sides. Dr Amol, running as an Independent, is taking on his brother, Dr Ashish, who represents the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Their father, Ranjit Deshmukh, a former Maharashtra minister, has maintained a significant presence in state politics, adding to the attention this contest has garnered.

The Naik family in Pusad is similarly divided. The eldest son, Yayati Naik, is standing as an Independent, while his brother, Indranil Naik, is the NCP candidate. The two are sons of Manohar Naik, a prominent figure in the region. Pusad has traditionally been a stronghold for the Naik family, with deep support from the Banjara community, which may be pivotal in this election.

In Kannad, a family rift is evident as Harshavardhan Jadhav, former MLA, contests against his estranged wife, Sanjana Jadhav, who is running on a Shiv Sena ticket. Sanjana, the daughter of BJP leader Raosaheb Danve, represents the party in her bid for a seat, adding an extra dimension to the competition. Harshavardhan, known for his independent stance on issues, has not officially divorced Sanjana, adding a personal layer to their political rivalry.

As these candidates prepare for the upcoming elections, Vidarbha's political atmosphere remains intense, with family allegiances tested and ambitions reaching new heights. The results of these contests will not only influence local politics but could also redefine family relations within some of Maharashtra's most influential political families.