Maharashtra Election 2024: Five Rebel Candidates Who May Shake the Status Quo

Maharashtra Election 2024: More than a dozen rebel candidates are still in the fray for several key seats as Maharashtra prepares for the 2024 Assembly elections. It is setting it up for a test on both sides of the Mahayuti alliance, the ruling coalition, and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Around 45 rebel candidates withdrew their nominations on the final day, but some remain in the fray and can disrupt electoral outcomes.

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1. Samir Bhujbal – Nandgaon

The most formidable opposition that is coming from the rebel camp is Samir Bhujbal, nephew of veteran politician Chhagan Bhujbal and ex MP. He is in fray as an independent candidate from the Nandgaon seat. Mahayuti has fielded sitting MLA from Shinde Sena, Suhas Kande. The MVA has pitted Ganesh Dhatrak from Shiv Sena (UBT). Independent another one Dr. Rohan Borse too would give some trouble to Kande.

2. Heena Gavit – Akkalkuwa Akrani

Former BJP MP Heena Gavit, who is contesting as an independent from Akkalkuwa Akrani in Nandurbar district, is another important rebel. Mahayuti candidate from Shinde Sena is Amsha Padvi, while Congress has marshaled KC Padvi of the MVA. KC Padvi has been successive winner of this seat five times over. However, Heena Gavit's poll prospects may improve the outgoing MLA's chances.

3. Geeta Jain – Mira Bhayander

Geeta Jain, the sitting independent MLA from Mira Bhayander, had sought a ticket from the Shinde faction but has been left out as the seat has been allotted to BJP, which has fielded Narendra Mehta. MVA has put up Congress's Muzaffar Hussain as its candidate. Mira Bhayander is a Hindu-majority area and a close fight is expected between Mehta and Jain, with the split in votes likely to benefit Hussain.

4. Mahesh Gaikwad – Kalyan East

Mahesh Gaikwad, independent, can prove to be a big thorn in the flesh for the BJP in Kalyan East. The party has fielded Sulabha Gaikwad, wife of BJP leader Ganpat Gaikwad. Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Dhananjay Borade as its candidate for the MVA. Mahesh Gaikwad is an old-time rival of Ganpat and has a history of animosity against him. There was one instance where Ganpat allegedly shot Mahesh inside a police station. Mahesh will certainly try to scuttle the victory of Sulabha even if he does not win. 5. SP's Push to Overthrow MVA Though MVA has lesser rebels, SP has come out as a new sticking point in the alliance. SP had demanded five seats from MVA but the alliance offered only two seats, forcing SP leader Abu Azmi to field candidates on eight seats. This is bound to hurt Congress as six of SP's candidates would split votes in critical constituencies.

With no sign of surrender, SP and Congress are to vie for these seats in "friendly fight". With rebellion candidates and inter-party rivalry, both alliances are givens a strong fight that might cut into some key electoral prospects in key seats as Maharashtra moves to polling.