Riding High On Development Projects Worth Crores, Shiv Sena's Amol Patil Leads Way In Erandol Seat

Maharashtra Assembly election: In the Erandol constituency of Jalgaon district, a total of 13 candidates are in the fray this time.

However, the real contest is expected to be between Dr. Satish Patil of the Sharad Pawar faction and Amol Chimnarao Patil of the Shiv Sena Shinde faction.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/amol6900

After seat allocation and the announcement of candidates, the Mahavikas Aghadi experienced internal strife, with hundreds of officials and activists from the Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena resigning, which has tilted the balance in favour of the Mahayuti alliance.

Legacy of His Father to Be an Advantage

In the Erandol-Parola constituency, current candidate Amol Patil's father, Chimnarao Patil, is an MLA. However, due to his advancing age, he chose to pass the opportunity to his son instead of contesting himself this time. Chimnarao Patil was among the first five MLAs who supported Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the rebellion. In the last election, he defeated Satish Patil by a margin of 26,000 votes. During the Mahayuti government's tenure, Chimnarao Patil has implemented development works worth crores in the constituency, giving his son Amol Patil a distinct advantage.

Amol Patil's Social Contribution

Amol Patil is currently the Vice President of Jalgaon District Central Bank and was the President of the Pachora MPCS for 13 years. His leadership skills and inclusive political approach were evident in these roles, and it is expected that his social service record will benefit him in the upcoming election.

Internal Friction in Mahavikas Aghadi

The Shiv Sena has a strong presence in the Erandol-Parola constituency. After the Shiv Sena split, the Thackeray faction was also eager to contest this seat. However, after seat-sharing arrangements in Mahavikas Aghadi, the seat went to the Sharad Pawar faction, leading to dissatisfaction among the Thackeray faction's office-bearers. Nana Mahajan from the Thackeray faction had filed his nomination, but later withdrew it, after which he, along with about 100 office-bearers, resigned collectively, expressing anger toward the Thackeray faction. It is now expected that this group will work for the Mahayuti alliance rather than the Mahavikas Aghadi.

Extensive Development by Mahayuti

The Mahayuti has executed development projects worth crores in Erandol, Parola, and Bhadgaon talukas over the past five years. The Bhamarkheda project in Parola taluka and the water pipelines in Erandol and Parola have been completed during the Mahayuti government's term. Each village has witnessed development, and both Erandol and Parola municipalities have received special grants of Rs 4 crore each for pending urban development works. Additionally, Rs 75 lakh were allocated for minority neighbourhoods' development.

100 Crore Grant by Mahayuti

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also pledged to approve an MIDC (industrial area) for the development of these two talukas. Two years ago, MLA Chimnarao Patil secured a grant of Rs 100 crore 51 lakh for this constituency.

This included Rs 12 crore for the Mondhale Bridge in Parola, Rs 2.5 crore for the Karadi-Bole Bridge, Rs 1.25 crore for the Adgaon causeway, funds for around 30 roads in Erandol taluka, and 12.5 crore for the Tehsil office building in Erandol. Rs 5 crore were allocated for the sub-divisional office in Erandol, and Rs 70 lakh each for the residences of the Tehsildar and the Sub-divisional Officer.

Rural Roads and Amenities

In addition, a substantial budget was allocated for roads in Bhadgaon taluka, along with funds for Zilla Parishad schools, primary health centres in Devgaon-Achalgav, and water schemes. Nearly 100,000 voters in the taluka have benefited from various government schemes, including the Ladki Bahina scheme. It is anticipated that these voters will again favour the Mahayuti in this election, giving Amol Patil a visible advantage at present.