Amol Kolhe, the sitting Member of Parliament from the Sharad Pawar faction in Shirur, has secured a decisive victory over Shivajirao Adhalrao in the recent elections. This win marks an even larger margin than Kolhe’s previous triumph in 2019.
Kolhe’s Rising Political Influence
Amol Kolhe, widely known for his acclaimed portrayals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Marathi cinema and television, first made a significant political impact in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He defeated Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil by more than 58,000 votes, showcasing his strong appeal to the electorate.
Historical Context and Past Victories
Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil, a veteran politician, has a storied history in the Shirur constituency. Initially elected as an MP from Khed in 2004, Adhalrao continued his winning streak after Shirur became a separate constituency following the 2008 delimitation. In the 2009 elections, he won against NCP’s Vilas Lande by nearly 1.8 lakh votes. His 2014 victory saw him defeating NCP’s Devdatta Nikam with an impressive margin of over three lakh votes.
Political Realignments and the Recent Election
The political landscape in Shirur has seen significant changes in recent years. Following the split in the Shiv Sena in 2022, Adhalrao Patil initially sided with Uddhav Thackeray before aligning with the Shinde faction. However, in the seat-sharing negotiations among the ruling Mahayuti partners, the Shirur seat was allocated to Ajit Pawar’s NCP. Consequently, Adhalrao Patil joined the NCP, expressing confidence in his ability to secure a substantial victory against Kolhe.
A Resounding Victory for Kolhe
Despite Adhalrao Patil’s experience and political maneuvering, Amol Kolhe managed to expand his winning margin, underscoring his growing influence and the electorate’s support for his leadership. Kolhe’s victory is a testament to his effective campaigning and connection with the voters, which have been bolstered by his popular cultural portrayals and active political presence.
