With the state seeing over 60 per cent polling, it is likely that Maharashtra is readying for the change of the guard after 15 years. Anti-incumbancy wave and the mood favouring the BJP and Shiv Sena could be sensed all throughout. Urban youth came out in large numbers, while use of money power, especially in the final two hours of voting, pushed the percentage upward in many districts.
Gondiya, Gadchiroli districts recorded nearly 70 per cent polling, making the case strong for a sweep by the BJP in the Vidarbha region.
In North Maharashtra, Nashik was the centre of attraction, with Yeola constituency seeing Chhagan Bhujbal in the fray. Bhujbal, who lost in the Lok Sabha polls and was believed to have faced the wrath for joining hands with the MNS, also could suffer from the Maratha versus Mali conflict.
Messages were circulated in the region, appealing people to repeat the show. "Repeat Nashik Pattern in Yeola now" read a forwarded SMS. MNS is also likely to pay for aligning with Bhujbal despite winning three assembly seats in 2009 by cashing on anger against Bhujbal. Sena could be a beneficiary of this acrimony. Experts say it may win seven seats in Nashik alone.
In Western Maharashtra, the Sena is going to increase its tally, especially in rural areas, and cities like Kolhapur where BJP does not have any base. In Sangli, BJP can increase its tally by one seat. However, Tasgaon, where R R Patil is facing challenge from Ajit Ghorpade, is likely to be a close contest. In Karad-South, ex-CM Prithviraj Chavan is pitched against formidable Vilaskaka Undalkar-Patil. In Marathwada, the BJP and Sena will be gainers at the cost of the Congress. In Konkan too, the saffron biggies will have an edge. Here Bhaskar Jadhav of NCP, Narayan Rane of Congress and his son Nitesh are facing stiff challenge.
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