A fierce battle between two political debutants in a historically charged Maha constituency, Bhokar, Maharashtra elections, Shreejaya Chavan, Tirupati Kondhekar, BJP, Congress

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Bhokar constituency in Maharashtra is witnessing a high-stakes electoral battle between two first-time candidates, both carrying strong yet contrasting legacies. Representing the BJP, Shreejaya Chavan, daughter of former Prime Minister Ashok Chavan, is pitted against Congress candidate Tirupati Kondhekar, popularly known as Pappu Kondhekar, a grassroots leader with a reputation of being the voice of the farmers.

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Bhokar, long considered a stronghold of the Chavan family, has been represented by the family in the Maharashtra Assembly for six terms. Shreejaya Chavan, a third-generation politician with roots in Mumbai, where she studied and briefly practiced law, is fighting to preserve her family’s legacy in this important constituency. Her father, Ashok Chavan, was the MLA from Bhokar in 2009 and 2019, while her mother won the seat in 2014. Before them, her grandfather and two-time chief minister Shankarrao Chavan represented Bhokar in the state assembly three times.

However, Shreejaya faces major challenges. Ashok Chavan’s switch from the Congress to the BJP ahead of the recent Lok Sabha elections alienated many in Nanded district, where residents have traditionally opposed BJP nominees. Adding to the pressure are widespread discontent over low soybean and cotton prices, Maratha agitation over reservations and voter frustration over dynastic politics.

Tirupati Kondhekar: The underdog with support from farmers

On the other side is Tirupati Kondhekar, a second-generation Congressman and former district president of the Youth Congress. Kondhekar, who hails from a farming family, has worked under Ashok Chavan for 20 years and is now using his grassroots connections to challenge the BJP in a constituency that has long opposed the saffron party.

Kondhekar’s campaign, though modest in scope, has resonated with local voters. His self-styled identity as ‘son of a farmer’ and his criticism of the Chavans for failing to tackle agricultural issues have struck a chord with Bhokar’s rural electorate. Locals have rallied behind him and raised Rs 80 lakh for his campaign – a show of solidarity that could tip the balance in his favour.

The constituency dynamics

Bhokar presents a complex demographic landscape with 3.03 lakh voters:
– OBC voters: 1.2 lakh
– Marathas: 80,000
– Dalits: 48,000
– Muslims: 35,000

This diversity makes it a battleground where caste dynamics, economic grievances and political loyalties collide.

High stakes for both parties

As Shreejaya Chavan fights to retain the Chavan family’s hold on Bhokar, Kondhekar portrays himself as the people’s candidate, using the ‘common man versus dynasty’ narrative to challenge the BJP. With both debutants vying to make their mark, the election outcome will not only determine the future of Bhokar but also signal the changing political dynamics in Nanded district.

This clash of legacies and grassroots politics makes Bhokar one of the most closely watched contests in the Maharashtra assembly elections.