Maharashtra Election: Shiv Sena's Baburao Kohlikar Enters Race From Hadgaon Constituency
The struggle of Shiv Sena workers has historically been against the established leadership in politics.
Despite lacking any political background, numerous Shiv Sainiks raised the Shiv Sena flag across rural areas through their organisational skills.
They strengthened their strongholds in local self-government bodies across their respective regions.
In Congress and NCP strongholds of Dharashiv, Latur, Nanded, and Hingoli, challenging the entrenched powers was no easy task. However, determined Shiv Sainiks managed to make it a reality.
A formidable force of such determined Shiv Sainiks is proudly standing across Maharashtra's rural areas. Among these, Baburao Kadam Kohlikar is a Shiv Sainik who has carved a niche for himself in the politics of Nanded district through his achievements.
A Resolute Shiv Sena Worker
Baburao Kadam Kohlikar is recognised as a senior Shiv Sena leader of the Hadgaon-Himayatnagar assembly constituency. He began his political journey with the Nigwa Zilla Parishad election, securing victory twice from that constituency. For 25 consecutive years, he kept Shiv Sena's saffron flag flying over his constituency.
In 2009, he contested the assembly elections from Shiv Sena but was defeated. However, he didn't let the loss deter him and continued serving the community through politics. With strong organisational skills and the backing of loyal Shiv Sainiks, he hoisted Shiv Sena's flag in the 2014 assembly election, which saw Nagesh Patil Ashtikar emerge victorious.
Clash with Ashtikar
Within a few months, Kohlikar and Shiv Sena former MLA Nagesh Patil Ashtikar developed political friction over the district chief post. Kohlikar's district chief position was removed, which caused resentment among loyal Shiv Sainiks.
This discontent was evident in the 2019 assembly elections, where Kohlikar contested as an independent candidate and secured second place. His performance as an independent candidate made history and enhanced his political strength.
Supporting Eknath Shinde
Two and a half years after the assembly election, speculation emerged that Baburao Kadam Kohlikar might rejoin Shiv Sena. However, this news eventually subsided, and there were reports that he might join the BJP.
Around this time, Eknath Shinde raised a banner of rebellion within Shiv Sena. Ultimately, Kohlikar organised a worker's meeting in the presence of his supporters, where he confirmed his decision to join Shiv Sena under Shinde's leadership.
Defeat in the Lok Sabha Election
Upon joining Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde offered Kohlikar a ticket from the Hingoli Lok Sabha constituency. However, in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, he was defeated in Hingoli by a margin of 108,000 votes. Kohlikar received 383,000 votes, while Nagesh Patil Ashtikar from the Uddhav Thackeray faction secured 492,000 votes. Now, for the upcoming assembly election, Eknath Shinde has once again nominated Kohlikar from the Hadgaon-Himayatnagar assembly constituency.
Various Development Projects in Hadgaon
The state government has invested Rs 1600 crore to build a dam on the Panganga River, enabling year-round irrigation facilities in the Hadgaon and Umarkhed assembly constituencies, benefiting 100,000 acres of farmland.
Additionally, with a budget of Rs 24 crore, a hostel is being constructed in Himayatnagar for tribal boys and girls, aimed at providing quality educational facilities and accommodation for tribal students.
Rural hospitals have been set up in Tamsa and Nigwa, providing local residents with health facilities, while primary health centres have been established in Mantha and Talni. Baburao Kohlikar has pursued many of these projects persistently.
24 Candidates in Hadgaon Constituency
Baburao Kohlikar is considered close to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is known for standing firmly by his workers. Given the current coordination within the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance), the BJP's full strength is expected to back Kohlikar.
Kohlikar will be contesting against the current Congress MLA Madhavrao Pawar, and with 24 candidates in the fray. Kohlikar's chances of victory are strong.
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