The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its second list of candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections-2024, adding 22 names and bringing the total announced so far to 121. The list, published on Saturday evening, follows the initial release of 99 candidates and continues to shape the party's strategic lineup for the elections.
Only one female candidate in second list
The BJP's second list of candidates maintains a significant focus on a range of constituencies but offers limited representation for women. Out of the 22 candidates, only one, Devyani Suhas Pharande, will be contesting from Nashik Central. In terms of reserved constituencies, the list includes three seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates and two for Scheduled Castes (SC) candidates.
This choice of candidates reflects the BJP's strategy to balance representation across diverse demographics, though it shows a restrained approach to increasing female representation in this round of announcements.
Mahayuti Alliance has declared 194 candidates
As part of the Mahayuti alliance, the BJP is joined by the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP - Ajit Pawar faction) in the upcoming Maharashtra elections. Collectively, the alliance has declared a total of 194 candidates so far, with each party contributing to the roster. The BJP has announced 121 candidates, while the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has listed 35, and the NCP (Ajit faction) has named 38 candidates. Both Shiv Sena and NCP have released just one candidate list each to date, indicating a deliberate and unified strategy within the Mahayuti alliance.
BJP’s first candidate list had 99 names
On October 20, the BJP unveiled its first list of candidates, featuring 99 names, which included six seats reserved for ST candidates and four for SC candidates. Female representation was more prominent in this initial list, with 13 women being given tickets, a contrast to the more limited female representation in the second list.
The first list also showcased strong support for incumbents, with 79 sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) re-nominated. Additionally, all 10 cabinet ministers and Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar were included, reinforcing the BJP’s focus on experienced leadership. However, five current MLAs did not receive re-nominations, and notably, no Muslim candidates were selected in the first list.
Representation from Mumbai Constituencies
In Mumbai, the BJP is also focusing on continuity, with 14 out of the 16 MLAs who represent the city being re-nominated. Additionally, three independent MLAs who aligned with the BJP in 2019 have received tickets for the upcoming elections. This decision indicates the BJP’s intention to maintain strong representation in Mumbai, a key urban center in Maharashtra.
High-profile leaders have also been strategically placed in crucial constituencies. For instance, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will contest from Nagpur South-West, while Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule will run from Kamathi, highlighting the party’s emphasis on familiar and influential candidates for prominent seats.
Prominent Leaders and New Entrants
The candidate lists also include several notable figures who bring a wealth of experience to the state elections. Sudhir Mungantiwar, who previously contested in the Lok Sabha elections, is now a candidate for the Ballarpur Assembly seat. Mihir Kotecha, another influential figure, will run from the Mulund constituency. Additionally, Mumbai BJP President Ashish Shelar will contest from Bandra West, with his brother Vinod Shelar running from Malad West, further underscoring the party’s selection of well-established leaders in significant areas.
Party’s focus on both retaining key incumbents
The BJP’s latest announcements showcase the party’s focus on both retaining key incumbents and strategically allocating seats to align with local and demographic factors across Maharashtra. Through its alliance with the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and NCP (Ajit faction), the BJP is presenting a unified front under the Mahayuti alliance banner.
As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, this comprehensive list of candidates illustrates the BJP’s readiness and thorough preparation to compete across diverse constituencies.
(PRAKASH KUMAR PANDEY)