The Shirur Lok Sabha constituency in Pune district is gearing up for a fierce electoral showdown as the political landscape undergoes significant transformations. Once a stronghold of the Shiv Sena, Shirur witnessed a pivotal shift in 2019 when actor-turned-politician Amol Kolhe secured victory, ending the three-term rule of Shivajirao Adhalrao.
The forthcoming elections present a new set of challenges and alliances, with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, joining forces with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena. In contrast, Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party– Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SCP) has aligned with the Congress and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray).
As seat-sharing negotiations unfold within the ruling Mahayuti coalition, Shirur is expected to align with Ajit’s NCP. However, the primary hurdle for the deputy chief minister lies in identifying a formidable candidate capable of challenging Amol Kolhe, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP). While Ajit has historically wielded influence in the constituency, the absence of a popular candidate poses a significant challenge.
Speculations abound regarding Shiv Sena defector Shivajirao Adhalrao potentially crossing over to the NCP and contesting against Kolhe. Adhalrao, a former NCP leader who later joined Shiv Sena, has previously served as the MP for multiple terms.
Despite Ajit’s efforts to bolster his electoral prospects, Kolhe’s stature within the party has risen, posing a formidable challenge. It was Ajit who initially facilitated Kolhe’s entry into politics, albeit the latter chose to align with senior Pawar during the party split in July 2023.
Recent exchanges between the two contenders have underscored the intensity of the electoral battle. Ajit’s remarks questioning the utility of celebrity candidates in elections were met with a swift retort from Kolhe, emphasizing his political significance within the party.
Shirur boasts a diverse demographic profile, with a predominant agricultural sector complemented by a burgeoning industrial landscape. The constituency encompasses key industrial hubs, including Chakan, Ranjangaon, and Bhosari, hosting numerous global automobile and electronic companies.
Amidst growing discontent over agricultural policies and the recent ban on onion exports, farmers constitute a significant voter base, potentially influencing the electoral outcome. Kolhe has been vocal in criticizing the government’s agricultural policies, reflecting the concerns of the farming community.
With six assembly constituencies falling under Shirur, except for Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge, all five MLAs are aligned with Ajit’s faction of the NCP, further emphasizing the strategic significance of the upcoming polls.
