Kolhapur’s ‘Tigeress’ Ready to Take on the Mahayuti ‘Lion’
Kolhapur: The political tension in the Kolhapur North Assembly constituency has intensified with the announcement of candidates. In this contest, Rajesh Kshirsagar of the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena will face off against the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi's candidate, Chhatrapati Madhurima Raje, known as Kolhapur's 'Tigeress.' Her candidacy presents a significant challenge to the Mahayuti, promising a closely fought battle that will undoubtedly attract statewide attention.
The unfolding drama within the Mahayuti has been captivating, particularly following Kshirsagar's recent political jibe aimed at BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik. This led to a rift in the party, with Mahadik's loyal supporters expressing their dissent. The situation escalated further with the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray registering their displeasure, especially as the constituency shifted towards Congress.
The Congress party's internal strife became apparent when Rajesh Latkar, a non-member, was nominated, angering supporters of sitting MLA Jayashree Jadhav. This internal conflict culminated in protests, including stone-pelting against the Congress committee. Ultimately, the party rectified its course by nominating Madhurima Raje, which appears to have pacified tensions and revitalized their campaign.
Madhurima Raje's entry into the race adds a dynamic element to the contest. Just four months after the Lok Sabha elections, which saw the victory of Chhatrapati Shahaji Maharaj, the political stakes in Kolhapur have risen significantly. Critics may question the concentration of power in one royal lineage, but Raje's assertive campaigning style has garnered substantial support, particularly among local youth.
Rajesh Kshirsagar is seen as a staunch ally of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and his candidacy has been portrayed as a matter of prestige for the Mahayuti. The backing of BJP's Mahadik faction only strengthens his position. With his appointment as Executive Chairman of the State Planning Board, Kshirsagar has also secured development projects for Kolhapur, making this constituency a focal point ahead of the elections.
The Election Commission has already flagged Kolhapur North as a sensitive constituency, indicating that this electoral battle will be one of the most watched across the state. As the campaign heats up, the strategies and loyalty of party factions will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this high-stakes election.
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