Mumbai: In the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November 20, 2024, Dhananjay Munde, Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister and a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), emphasized the gravity of the electoral challenge. “I don’t take any election lightly,” Munde asserted during a press briefing in Parli, where he filed his nomination for re-election from the Parli constituency, highlighting the demanding nature of earning voter trust every five years.
Munde, who previously defeated his cousin, Pankaja Munde, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, in the 2019 assembly elections, expressed confidence but acknowledged the competitive landscape. “It’s a fight, and no election is easy. I don’t even take the gram panchayat or municipal elections lightly,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to a vigorous campaign. His remarks reflect a keen awareness of the shifting political dynamics in Maharashtra, especially following the split in the NCP led by Sharad Pawar.
As the election approaches, Munde’s party alliance is a focal point. He noted that the NCP, under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, is currently in a coalition with the BJP and the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena. Munde criticized the opposition, specifically the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), for not fielding a candidate against him thus far, quipping that their inability to present a challenger might indicate who is truly ensnared in a “chakravyuh” or a strategic predicament.
Also Read: The Clash for Worli: Who Will Claim Victory—Deora or Thackeray?
Reflecting on the historical context, Munde’s victory in 2019 was significant as it showcased his political prowess in a constituency traditionally held by the Munde family. Now, with Pankaja Munde contesting in the Beed Lok Sabha seat, family ties and past rivalries add a personal layer to the electoral battle. Pankaja has expressed confidence in her chances, bolstered by family support, stating, “I will appeal for his help in the elections,” referring to Dhananjay’s influence.
As the political landscape evolves with the impending elections, Munde’s strategy seems rooted in recognizing the complexities of voter sentiment and the need for robust campaigning. The elections are not only a contest for seats but a test of political alliances and personal legacies, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral showdown in Maharashtra.
