Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase-3 ​Baramati, ​Satara, Kolhapur, ​​Solhapur on May 7; Key candidates and other details

Maharashtra, boasting 48 Lok Sabha seats, ranks as the second most influential state in the lower house of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh. Recognized for its political variety and significant electoral impact, Maharashtra holds a crucial position in influencing national politics. The state has consistently been a battleground for numerous political factions, including regional players and prominent national parties like the BJP, NCP, and Congress.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections Phase 3: Key Contests

Voting for 11 out of Maharashtra's 48 Lok Sabha constituencies is scheduled for Tuesday, with considerable attention directed towards the closely watched contest in Baramati. In this constituency, Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, will compete against Sunetra Pawar, the spouse of Pawar's estranged nephew and Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar.

Baramati: The Baramati Lok Sabha constituency is not only a battleground for political supremacy but also for the legacy of the Pawar family. In this electoral arena, Supriya Sule, representing the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), competes against her sister-in-law, Sunetra Pawar.

Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg: Union Minister Narayan Rane, running on a BJP ticket, faces off against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut in the Sindhudurg-Ratnagiri constituency.

Sangli: The Sangli seat witnesses a three-way battle involving sitting BJP MP Sanjaykaka Patil, Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Chandrahar Patil, and independent candidate Vishal Patil.

Madha: Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil, formerly of BJP and now with NCP (SP), challenges BJP's Ranjitsinh Naik Nimbalkar in Madha.

Satara: Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and BJP Rajya Sabha member, contests against NCP's (Sharad Pawar) candidate Shashikant Shinde in Satara.

Hatkanangle: Shiv Sena's Dairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Satyajeet Patil, and independent candidate Raju Shetti vie for the Hatkanangle seat.

Solapur: BJP MLA Ram Satpute squares off against Congress's Praniti Shinde in Solapur.

Osmanabad: Archana Patil of NCP (Ajit Pawar) faces Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Omprakash Rajenimbalkar in Osmanabad.

Latur: BJP renominates sitting MP Sudhakar Shrangare against Congress candidate Shivaji Kalge in Latur.

Kolhapur: Congress candidate Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj challenges incumbent MP Sanjay Mandlik from Shiv Sena in Kolhapur.

Raigad: Raigad witnesses a contest between Sunil Tatkare of NCP (Ajit Pawar) and Anant Geete of Shiv Sena (UBT).

Maharashtra Lok Sabha Election 2024: Phases

Despite having 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra's elections will be conducted in five phases, following the trend of previous elections.

Phase 1: April 19
Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondia, Gadchiroli-Chimur and Chandrapur

Phase 2: April 26
Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani

Phase 3: May 7
Raigad, Baramati, Osmanabad, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur and Hatkanangle.

Phase 4: May 13
Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi and Beed

Phase 5: May 20
Mumbai North, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai North-East, Mumbai North-Central, Mumbai South-Central, Mumbai South, Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Palghar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thane.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections: No Clear Trend

Unlike previous elections, there isn't a clear trend favoring any particular side in Maharashtra. Each seat is witnessing a tough fight, influenced by various factors such as local issues, community ties, family connections, and personal interests. What was initially thought to be a simple battle between two groups has evolved into a multifaceted contest, reflecting the diverse socio-political fabric of the state.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections: 2019 result

The 2019 elections saw a mix of victories for various parties across Maharashtra, with BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress securing several seats.