BJP and Shiv Sena had won all 10 seats in a clean sweep in the Vidarbha region in 2014 elections
In a tightly contested fight, rebellion has become an equalizer. BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and Congress-NCP led Mahagathbandhan are struggling to pacify disgruntled elements and is putting up a show of unity to win Lok Sabha elections in Wardha, Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondia, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Chandrapur, Yavatmal-Washim in Vidarbha region. The polls are slated for April 11. Cracks surfaced between BJP and Shiv Sena in Chandrapur, Yavatmal-Washim, Wardha, and Gadchiroli-Chimur where senior party leaders from both the sides were deployed to bring all factions together. On the other hand, Congress and NCP workers at the ground level are not happy with the alliance and both parties are faction-ridden.
In a bid to charge the cadre, BJP had organised two rallies by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Wardha and Bhandara Gondia while Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressed rallies in Nagpur, Chandrapur, and Wardha in the last two days. BJP and Shiv Sena had won all 10 seats in a clean sweep in the Vidarbha region in 2014 elections. While BJP and Shiv Sena are struggling to retain their 10 seats, Congress, NCP, and 54 other allies hope to make some inroads cashing in on anti-incumbency and issues such as farm distress, lack of jobs and slow pace of economic growth.
In Chandrapur, four-time winner Union Minister Hansraj Ahir is pitted against Congress nominee and former Shiv Sena legislator Suresh Dhanorkar. BJP and Shiv Sena hence have blow hot blow cold relationship there.
In Yavatmal-Washim, the Shiv Sena MP Bhavana Gawali has been trying to continue its winning streak for the fifth term. However, differences between her and Sena Minister Sanjay Rathod can upset the campaign. Gawali belongs to the Maratha community while Rathod belongs to the Banjara community with a sizeable presence in the region.
In Wardha, the BJP nominee Ramdas Tadas, who belongs to the Teli community, has received notice from the Election Commission seeking his explanation for his purported comments on poll expenses in a TV channel sting video. Tadas is purportedly seen claiming that his estimated poll expenditure before the Lok Sabha elections is around Rs 25 crore, while it was Rs 10 crore during 2014 polls. He can also be seen explaining how cash can be taken home. Tadas' style of functioning has earned the displeasure of senior party leaders.
In Bhandara Gondia constituency, BJP's decision to nominate builder Sunil Mendhe has taken party workers by surprise. He has been fielded against NCP leader Nana Panchbudhe who enjoys tacit support from the former Union Minister Praful Patel.
BJP’S DISCONTENT
In Wardha, BJP nominee Ramdas Tadas’ style of functioning has earned the displeasure of senior leaders. In Bhandara Gondia constituency, BJP’s decision to nominate builder Sunil Mendhe has taken party workers by surprise
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