Maharashtra Elections: Ajit Pingale Leads Dharashiv Race with MahaYuti’s Full Support

After the nomination withdrawals, 12 candidates remain in the electoral contest for the Dharashiv Assembly seat in Maharashtra. However, the main battle is expected between the two Shiv Sena factions. On the final day, the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance) managed to persuade rebel candidates to withdraw, solidifying support.

This now positions the primary contest between Shiv Sena's Ajit Pingale and incumbent MLA Kailas Ghadge Patil from the Thackeray faction. Analysts suggest that MLA Ghadge Patil could face a challenging election, with the Mahayuti government's recent development projects likely boosting Pingale's prospects across Maharashtra's Dharashiv constituency.

From Uddhav Thackeray's side, former Dharashiv Mayor Makarand Rajenimbalkar was an aspirant, but after not receiving the nomination, he filed as an independent. He eventually withdrew his candidacy on the final day of withdrawals. Additionally, Dr. Pratapsingh Patil and Sanjay Nimbalkar from the Sharad Pawar faction of the Maha Vikas Aghadi also filed as independents but had to withdraw at the last moment.

Ajit Pingale Gains Support

In this constituency, Suraj Salunke, Sudhir Patil, and Shivaji Kapse from Shiv Sena had initially filed as independents. However, the Mahayuti managed to convince them, and they all withdrew, openly supporting Ajit Pingale. Now, Shiv Sena, BJP, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), and the Republican Party have all come together in Pingale's campaign, giving him a strong advantage.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will hold rallies on Friday at three locations in Dharashiv and other areas of the district to support Mahayuti candidates. Party officials have organized this rally, with Chief Minister Shinde focusing solely on development, presenting the progress the Mahayuti has made across the district. Initiatives like the Ladki Bahin scheme have seen a strong response in Dharashiv, boosting the prospects of the Shiv Sena Shinde faction's candidate.

Unified Support for Pingale within Mahayuti

Ajit Pingale has previously served as a Shiv Sainik and later joined the BJP, where he maintained strong ties with MLA Rana Jagjitsingh. As a former Shiv Sainik, he has close relations with local Shiv Sena leaders and Guardian Minister Tanaji Sawant, and he enjoys substantial support in the Kalamb taluka. With all three Mahayuti parties working unitedly for him, his chances of victory appear strong.

Dharashiv has a consistent water shortage, with supply only once every five to six days. To address this, the Mahayuti government has planned a water supply project from the Ruibhar and Terna dams under the Amrut-2 scheme. Chief Minister Shinde has approved a budget of 230 crore rupees to supply 54 MLD (million liters per day) of water daily, potentially making this project a significant factor in favor of the Shiv Sena candidate.

The land acquisition process for the Solapur-Tuljapur-Osmanabad railway line has been completed. The government is working on completing the 84-km railway route from Solapur to Osmanabad by 2027, with a budget allocation of 905 crore rupees. This project could play a crucial role in the Mahayuti's campaign, with the funds allocated for Dharashiv's development forming a central part of Pingale's campaign message.

The Mahayuti government has approved 140 crore rupees for road and drainage construction in Dharashiv. This budget will enhance the city's roads and sewage infrastructure. In the first phase, 140 crore rupees have been allocated for Dharashiv, with an additional 97 crore rupees for Naldurg, and the government is expected to approve 173 crore rupees soon. These improvements are expected to benefit the Mahayuti candidate in the upcoming election.

The Mahayuti government has allocated a substantial budget for several projects, including a new bus station in Dharashiv, a water supply project for the Kalamb Municipal Council worth 70 crore rupees, and a new 500-bed hospital in Dharashiv. These projects have addressed pressing issues like water supply, benefiting Shiv Sena's Ajit Pingale, who is anticipated to gain support in the upcoming election due to these development projects and the government schemes benefiting thousands in the Dharashiv district.