Maval, a constituency historically dominated by the Shiv Sena, finds itself at the center of a fiercely contested electoral battle as the Lok Sabha elections approach. With the Sena’s control over the seat since its inception following delimitation in 2008, the upcoming polls will test the party’s ability to retain its stronghold amidst internal factionalism and external challenges.
Gajanan Babar of Shiv Sena was the first Member of Parliament (MP) from Maval, and the seat is currently held by Shrirang Barne, representing the faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, the Sena’s unity has been fractured following Shinde’s revolt, paving the way for a contentious electoral showdown.
In 2019, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) attempted to break the Sena’s dominance by fielding Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth, as its candidate. While the attempt was unsuccessful, it signaled the NCP’s aspirations to challenge the Sena’s supremacy in the constituency.
With the Sena factionalized, the upcoming contest is likely to feature nominees from rival factions within the party. Shrirang Barne, backed by the Shinde-led faction, seeks reelection, while Sanjog Waghere emerges as a potential candidate from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, which has yet to officially announce its candidate.
Waghere, a former mayor of Pimpri-Chinchwad and prominent NCP leader, recently switched allegiance to the Shiv Sena (UBT) and is poised to contest the elections from Maval. The Sena, bolstered by its alliance with the NCP, aims to consolidate its position in the constituency despite internal discord.
During seat-sharing negotiations, the Sena successfully persuaded its ally, the NCP, not to stake a claim on Maval, emphasizing its status as a Sena stronghold. Maharashtra Industry Minister and Sena leader Uday Samant reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fielding Barne as its candidate in the upcoming polls.
Maval’s demographic landscape, encompassing urban, rural, agricultural, and industrial sectors, presents a complex electoral terrain. With major industrial units located in Talegaon and a constituency spanning Pune and Raigad districts, diverse interests shape the political discourse.
Beyond the Sena-NCP rivalry, the Shetkari Kamgar Party (Peasants and Workers Party of India) also commands influence in the constituency, further complicating the electoral dynamics.
As Maval heads to the polls on May 13, the outcome will not only determine the constituency’s representative but also reflect the shifting sands of Maharashtra’s political landscape.
