Politics in Raigad Loksabha Constituency: Post Poll Deep Dive Analysis

In the heart of Raigad, the political arena is buzzing with anticipation as the electorate awaits the fate of incumbent MP Sunil Tatkare. Will he secure another term, or will Anant Geete stage a remarkable comeback?

The dynamics of this Lok Sabha election have taken a riveting turn. Bharatiya Janata Party supporters energetically rallied behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Shiv Sena members, from both factions, threw their weight behind Tatkare and Geete, fervently backing their respective leaders.

In Mahad Vidhan Sabha Constituency, with a staggering 2,84,386 eligible voters, the turnout saw 1,63,696 citizens exercise their democratic right. Notably, the initial resistance from Bharat Gogawle and the spirited campaign by Yuva Sena leader Vikas Gogawle, their cooperative efforts, have significantly swayed the voters towards Tatkare. The resounding chant for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's return for a third term echoes strongly among BJP supporters, bolstering Tatkare's chances.

Conversely, amidst the nominal presence of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, Anant Geete found modest support from the Shetkari Kamgar Party and Shiv Sena's Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction. Despite the internal rift within Shiv Sena, Geete's unwavering dedication to the constituency, coupled with the unwavering support from Manik Jagtap's family and Congress affiliates who defected to Shiv Sena, paints a picture of resilience.

The alliance between Shiv Sena and BJP in Mahad Assembly Constituency aimed to secure 40,000 votes for Tatkare. However, the dip in voter turnout may impact this projection. The battleground has shifted to decline, emblematic of the state's political upheaval and Shiv Sena's ongoing strife in the region. The unfolding saga of Tatkare's electoral journey promises to keep political pundits on their toes.

In Alibaug Vidhan Sabha Constituency, boasting 2,97,396 eligible voters, the suspense continues as 1,98,289 have cast their votes. The outcome of this election in Raigad Lok Sabha Constituency remains a tantalizing enigma, with the electorate eagerly awaiting the final verdict.

In the bustling political arena of the Pen Assembly electorate, where a total of 303,308 voters , the recent elections have witnessed a significant turnout.  The substantial 195,653 electorates exercised their democratic rights. 

The BJP's presence was notably felt, with Ravisheth Patil leading the charge as the Lok Sabha aspirant. The BJP's candidate, Darhysheel Patil, strategically targeted this BJP stronghold along the coast, actively engaging in a robust campaign.

Prior to the BJP's emergence in this constituency, the courageous Ravi Sheth of Shetakari Kamgar party had triumphed against BJP's Patil. Despite this setback, Shetakari kamgar party influence persevered.

During the voting process, not only did the BJP supporters turn up in large numbers, but Shiv Sena, Ripai and Mahendra Dalvi also made their voices heard. The looming question remains: how many votes will Sunil Tatkare secure in this Alibag Assembly Constituency? Anant Geete, the convener of India Aghadi Shetakari Kamgar party stands as a prominent candidate in the race.

While Bhai Jayant Patil took a back seat, aligning with Shetakari Kamgar party in Alibaug, the alliance with Congress, Kunbi, and Muslim communities garnered substantial support. The political landscape in Alibaug continues to evolve, promising an intriguing electoral outcome

In a recent political maneuver that stirred the local landscape, Shishirdada Dharkar's affiliation with the Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray party made a significant impact following Jayantbhai Patil's successful foray. This development paved the way for Anant Geete to step up to the challenge.

The Shrivardhan Vidhan Sabha constituency boasted a sizable voting population of 262,266 individuals, with a notable turnout of 155,254 voters. Notable figures in this constituency include Minister Aditi Tatkare and prominent personalities such as Avadhoot Tatkare, Tukaram Surve, Rehana Undre, Ravindra Raut, and Shyam Sawant.

In a recent twist of political events that shook up the local scene, Shishirdada Dharkar's alignment with the Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray party sent ripples through the community, following Jayantbhai Patil's triumphant entry. This turn of events set the stage for Anant Geete to rise to the occasion.

The Shrivardhan Vidhan Sabha constituency, home to a substantial voting populace of 262,266 people, witnessed an impressive turnout of 155,254 voters. Among the notable personalities in this electoral region are Minister Aditi Tatkare and distinguished individuals like Avadhoot Tatkare, Tukaram Surve, Rehana Undre, Ravindra Raut, and Shyam Sawant.

In the heart of the electoral battlegrounds, the fate of Raigad Lok Sabha Constituency hangs in the balance as voters cast their verdict in the EVMs. With a total of 2,80,261 voters in Dapoli Assembly Constituency and 2,42,755 voters in Guhagar Assembly Constituency, the political landscape is ripe with intrigue and anticipation.

Dapoli Assembly Constituency emerges as a melting pot of political powerhouses, with Mandangad and Khed Assembly Constituencies converging into a singular force. The likes of Yogesh Kadam, Vaibhav Khedekar, Suryakant Dalvi, and Sanjay Kadam wield influence, engaging voters from the Muslim, Buddhist, and Kunbi communities.

An air of uncertainty looms as Anant Geete's challenge to Tatkare unfolds. Despite initial perceptions of insignificance, Geete's pervasive influence hints at a potential upset, stirring the possibility of an unforeseen majority.

Meanwhile, Guhagar Assembly Constituency stands as a bastion of unity, with a resounding mandate of 1,35,877 voters backing the incumbent Bhaskar Jadhav. 

Shiv Sena's Anant Geete's recent statement regarding Bhaskar Jadhav signifies his unwavering confidence that the prior opposition posed by Betkar will persist even after Sahdev Betkar's nomination from the NCP in the previous assembly election. This declaration also underscores Geete's belief that Vinay Natu's influence will have no bearing on his voter support.

The electoral destiny of all contenders in the Raigad Lok Sabha Constituency has been sealed in the EVMs by the electorate. However, the cycle of prognostication has commenced, with numerous post-poll analysts delving into various issues. The looming presence of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi candidate Chavan alongside Sunil Tatkare and Anant Geete amplifies the intrigue surrounding the impending results. Despite the uproar surrounding the slogan "Three MLA hamare saath hai," the reality behind it manifests prominently.

As the dust settles on the polling booths, the echoes of post-poll predictions reverberate through the region. The clash between Sunil Tatkare, Anant Geete and Chavan from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi sets the stage for a riveting denouement. 

Shiv Sena's Anant Geete's recent statement regarding Bhaskar Jadhav signifies his unwavering confidence that the prior opposition posed by Betkar will persist even after Sahdev Betkar's nomination from the NCP in the previous assembly election. This declaration also underscores Geete's belief that Vinay Natu's influence will have no bearing on his voter support.

The electoral destiny of all contenders in the Raigad Lok Sabha Constituency has been sealed in the EVMs by the electorate. However, the cycle of prognostication has commenced, with numerous post-poll analysts delving into various issues. The looming presence of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi candidate Chavan alongside Sunil Tatkare and Anant Geete amplifies the intrigue surrounding the impending results. Despite the uproar surrounding the slogan "Three MLA hamare saath hai," the reality behind it manifests prominently.

In this crucible of democracy, where alliances are forged and destinies are decided, the voters hold the key to unlocking the future of Raigad Constituency. As the final tally approaches, the curtain rises on a new chapter of political evolution, where each vote is a brushstroke painting the canvas of democratic destiny.

Shailesh Palkar

Senior Journalist