MVA's Bhaskar Jadhav Faces Stiff Challenge From Shinde Sena’s Rajesh Bendal In Guhagar

Shiv Sena found most of its success in areas stretching from Mumbai and Thane to the depths of Konkan. Migrants from Konkan coming to Mumbai for work took Shiv Sena back to their villages during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Holi.

Due to the close ties between Konkan and Mumbai, and the fact that a majority of Shiv Sainiks hail from Konkan, the party thrived in the region.

Apart from Devgad, Ratnagiri, and Guhagar, most constituencies were dominated by Shiv Sena. In Sindhudurg district's Devgad and Ratnagiri district's Ratnagiri and Guhagar, BJP MLAs have been elected for years.

Although the BJP's dominance in Ratnagiri and Guhagar has now diminished, its presence remains. Currently, these constituencies are held by Uday Samant of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Bhaskar Jadhav of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, respectively.

For the 2024 Assembly elections, the Mahayuti alliance has engaged in candidate exchanges. Rajesh Bendal, who was with the Ajit Pawar faction, joined Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, and Shinde granted him an Assembly ticket.

Rajesh Bendal is a prominent figure in local politics in Guhagar and has served as the Guhagar Nagaradhyaksha (municipal head). He is recognised as a community leader with strong ties to the Kunbi community. However, Uddhav Thackeray faction's aggressive leader Bhaskar Jadhav presents a formidable challenge.

Determination to Defeat Bhaskar Jadhav

Bhaskar Jadhav is known as an aggressive leader in Maharashtra's political scene. In 2004, he contested independently in the Chiplun Assembly constituency after breaking away from Shiv Sena. Later, he joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), became a legislative council member, and served as a minister and NCP state president. Since 2009, he has maintained a hold over the Guhagar constituency, winning it in 2009 and 2014 for the NCP. In 2019, he returned to Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena and supported him during Eknath Shinde's rebellion in 2022. Determined to unseat Bhaskar Jadhav, the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance has been strategizing to oust him from Guhagar.

Infrastructure Development Gains Momentum

In line with this determination, the alliance has been making calculated moves in the Guhagar constituency. A foundation ceremony for roads in 15 villages under the Jan Suvidha Yojana was recently held, marking a major step in bolstering infrastructure. These roads will benefit thousands of citizens by facilitating faster transport of essential goods and services. Additionally, an annual fund of around INR 1.5 lakh is allocated to support 84 girls at Tamhaney High School in Guhagar.

Solar Power Project

Varaveli, a significant location in Guhagar, saw the inauguration of a 1-megawatt solar power project by Industries Minister Uday Samant. Currently, the project produces 19 lakh units of electricity annually. This step towards energy self-reliance will reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and contribute to sustainable development. A bridge in Chorwane village was also repaired, reconnecting eight sections in the Khed taluka that were previously cut off due to flood damage.

24,000 Women Benefit from Ladki Bahin Scheme

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's ambitious 'Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' has been implemented effectively across Maharashtra's constituencies. In the Guhagar constituency alone, approximately 24,000 women benefit from this scheme, receiving Rs 1,500 per month. Three installments have been disbursed to beneficiary women, giving them financial security.

Caste Dynamics Favour Bendal

With the split in Shiv Sena, Bhaskar Jadhav has been busy with statewide tours, resulting in some neglect of his constituency. The alliance is poised to take advantage of this. Guardian Minister and Industries Minister Uday Samant has made Guhagar a priority and placed full support behind Bendal.

Caste dynamics in this region favour the Mahayuti alliance. With the backing of various developmental schemes, there is talk in the northern part of Ratnagiri district that Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena could claim this constituency from Uddhav Thackeray.