Out of 4,119 candidates in the fray for 288 constituencies, independents comprised about 25 per cent. These 1,699 contestants polled more than 4.7 per cent (24.9 lakh) of the total votes across the state, with seven of them emerging victorious. Observers say these legislators could play a crucial role the formation of the next government though their numbers are not enough to fill the gap.
The BJP, which won 122 seats, is still short of 23 seats to stake claim for the government. While the NCP has extended "unconditional support" and Sena too has sent feelers, experts say the BJP may still try to get the independents on board to get more stability for its government. "These independents would come handy. Besides this, BJP may attempt to poach some MLAs from other parties to arrive at the magic figure of 145," said an observer.
Among the winning independents are sitting MLAs Bacchu Kadu, Shrish Chaudhary, Ravi Rana and Ganpat Gaikwad. While Bachhu Kadu retained Achalpur by defeating BJP's Ashok Bansod by more than 10,000 votes, Chaudhary defeated BJP's Anil Patil by 31,411 votes in Amalner.
In Badnera, Ravi Rana was the winner, leaving past Sena's Sanjay Band by 7,419 votes. In Kalyan East, Gaikwad saw his winning margin shrinking to just 745 votes.
Three more independents also won the seats. Mahesh Landge from Bhosari defeated Sena's Sulabha Ubale by 15,316 votes. Mohan Fad from Pathri defeated Congress' Suresh Warpudkar by 18,824 votes. Vinayakrao Jadhav Ahmadpur defeated Babasaheb Patil of NCP by 4,006 votes.
How did independents fare in previous polls?
Year Contested Won Vote share (%)
1990 2,286 13 13.59
1995 3,196 45 23.6
1999 837 12 9.49
2004 1,083 19 14.05
2009 1,820 24 15.05
2014 1,699 7 4.7
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