Maharashtra elections 2024: NCP announces 38 candidates, Ajit Pawar to run from Baramati | Complete list inside

In the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has announced its inaugural list of 38 candidates. This announcement positions Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to contest the Baramati seat in Pune district, marking a significant step in the electoral race. The NCP’s candidate unveiling follows similar announcements from the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Key Candidates in the Spotlight

Among the candidates, the NCP has re-nominated 26 sitting MLAs, including several ministers who aligned with Ajit Pawar when he joined the ruling coalition. Noteworthy figures on the list include Sulbha Khodke from Amravati and Hiraman Khoskar from Igatpuri, both of whom recently transitioned from the Congress party to the NCP.

Additionally, Bharat Gavit, son of former Congress leader Manikrao Gavit, has been nominated to contest from the Navapur seat. The Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly, Narhari Zirwal, will represent Dindori, while prominent state cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal is set to run in the Yeola constituency. Former BJP minister Rajkumar Badole will contest from Arjuni-Morgaon, further diversifying the candidate pool.

Election Insights and Political Dynamics

Maharashtra's elections are scheduled for November 20, where voters will select representatives for the 288-seat state assembly. Results are anticipated to be announced on November 23. This election promises a fierce contest between the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprised of the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP—and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The MVA coalition includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and the Congress party, setting the stage for a politically charged atmosphere in the lead-up to the polls.