Shiv Sena’s Shashikant Khedekar Re-enters Fray In Sindkhed Raja Constituency

Historically, Sindkhed Raja holds great significance. It is the birthplace of Jijabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Hindavi Swarajya.

Sindkhed Raja is an assembly constituency in Buldhana district, home to several historical landmarks from ancient times, including Jijabai's father Lakhuji Raje's mansion, the Rangmahal, Sawkarwada, Kalakot, Lakhuji Raje's memorial, Patal Barav, Sajna Barav, the Gangasagar and Balsamudra wells, as well as Chandani Talao and Moti Talao water reservoirs.

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Currently, the Sindkhed Raja constituency has gained significant importance, with all eyes across Maharashtra on the battle for this seat. Shiv Sena has nominated former MLA Shashikant Khedekar, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi has fielded former minister and several-time winner from Sindkhed Raja, Rajendra Shingne. This contest has come into its final form after a series of intriguing developments.

Rajendra Shingne's Changing Allegiances

Rajendra Shingne initially aligned with Ajit Pawar's faction after his rebellion. However, Shingne's niece, Gayatri Shingne, remained loyal to Sharad Pawar. Hoping to receive the ticket herself, Gayatri Shingne actively campaigned across the Sindkhed Raja constituency, often criticising Rajendra Shingne. Despite his work under Ajit Dada's faction, Shingne ultimately switched allegiance to Sharad Pawar. This move angered Gayatri Shingne, who publicly questioned Sharad Pawar's decision on social media, asking, "Is this the reward for our loyalty?" Ajit Pawar, too, was reportedly displeased with Shingne's last-minute switch and explored other potential candidates for the constituency.

Both Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP leaders were keen on this seat. Ultimately, the seat was allocated to Eknath Shinde, who nominated former MLA Shashikant Khedekar. Khedekar has now commenced his campaign.

Khedekar's Familiarity and Popularity in the Constituency

Shashikant Khedekar is well-known in the Sindkhed Raja constituency, where he has been active for many years. His political career began with the Congress party, where he rose through the ranks in the Youth Congress and even served as the Finance and Construction Chairman of the Buldhana Zilla Parishad. However, after being denied a Congress ticket in Sindkhed Raja in 1999, he joined Shiv Sena with the help of then-MP Anandrao Adsul and has worked to strengthen the party ever since.

Victory After Two Defeats

In 2004, Khedekar received Shiv Sena's ticket for Sindkhed Raja, and again in 2009. However, he lost both elections to Nationalist Congress Party's Dr. Rajendra Shingne. In 2014, Shiv Sena fielded Khedekar once again, and he won the election. In the 2019 election, however, Dr. Rajendra Shingne defeated Khedekar by 9,000 votes. Khedekar then went relatively quiet until the Shiv Sena split in 2022, when Eknath Shinde broke away from Uddhav Thackeray's leadership.

With 40 Shiv Sena MLAs, eight ministers, and several independent MLAs backing Eknath Shinde, the Mahavikas Aghadi decided that seats would remain with their incumbent MLAs, which suggested that Sindkhed Raja's seat would go to NCP's Shingne. This left Khedekar uncertain, leading him to align with Eknath Shinde. However, when Ajit Pawar joined the government with his faction, Khedekar's candidacy came into question again. Now, as Shingne has returned to Sharad Pawar's faction, Khedekar's path has cleared.

Strong Local Connections

Khedekar's extensive local connections and friendly demeanour make him popular in the constituency. Additionally, the internal dissatisfaction and factionalism within Sharad Pawar's NCP could work to Khedekar's advantage. Under the 'Mazi Ladki Bahin' scheme led by the Chief Minister, a significant number of people in Sindkhed Raja constituency have registered, which could also potentially benefit Khedekar.