Rebels, multi-cornered contests and dynasts – that’s the overriding theme of the Assembly elections that are coming up this month. Of the 4000 plus candidates in the fray, more than 20 are related to current and former politicians. No political party, despite making loaded statements about not supporting dynasties, is an exception to this trend.
Dynasts, it is believed, have ‘elective value’ with a ready support base, dedicated cadre, the goodwill the family may carry in the constituency and a familiar surname. Sons, daughters, nephews, nieces and in-laws are making their electoral debut in an election which is being fought more on allegations, accusations and changing loyalties than an ideology or development plans. If some offspring remain in the relative’s party, others are trying their luck in different parties with even siblings being split by political alliances.
PART - 2
Sanjana Jadhav, Shiv Sena
Kannad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will see Sanjana Jadhav, daughter of senior BJP leader and five-time-MP Raosaheb Danve take on her estranged husband Harshvardhan. A former member of the zilla parishad, she switched to the Shiv Sena and secured a nomination. She will contest against Harshvardhan, a two-term former MLA.
Suhas Babar, Shiv Sena
His father Anil Babar, known for various social initiatives in his constituency, passed away a few months ago. The Shiv Sena nominated Suhas from the Khanapur-Aatpadi constituency, a drought-struck area of Sangli which his father has held for several terms.
Salil Deshmukh, NCP (SP)
For the first time since 1995, Katol in Nagpur will see someone other than Anil Deshmukh contest the elections. But the candidate happens to be the former home minister’s son Salil whose political beginnings with the zilla parishad.
Varun Sardesai, Shiv Sena (UBT)
He’s best known as Aditya Thackeray’s maternal cousin which makes him yet another member of Uddhav Thackeray’s family to jump into the electoral fray. A constant presence by his cousin’s side when Aditya was a minister in the MVA government, Varun has worked with the youth wing of the undivided Shiv Sena.
Vilas Bhumre, Shiv Sena
Chairman of the family-controlled Renukadevi Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana, his father Sandipan Bhumre is a Member of Parliament. Vilas is contesting the Paithan seat from Marathwada as a member of the Shiv Sena.
Rahul Awade, BJP
His father Prakash Awade had been on a winning spree from Ichalkaranji since 1995 but lost in 2009 and 2014 to the BJP candidate. In 2019, he was re-elected as an Independent and now his son Rahul, a former member of the Ichalkaranji zilla parishad, is making his debut in the state assembly elections.
Sreejaya Chavan, BJP
Months after her father, former chief minister Ashok Chavan, switched over to the BJP from the Congress, Sreejaya has been nominated from Bhokar in Nanded, a constituency her father has represented for several years. Sreejaya comes with an impressive legacy—grandfather Shankarrao Chavan was the Union home minister, mother Ameeta is former MLA.
留言