Maharastra Assembly polls: Battles to watch out for post-split

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan’s decision to contest from Karad South will mean a tough face-off with Congress detractors Undalkar, a seven-time MLA from the region who is likely to contest as an Independent, and former Congress leader Bhosale who is expected to contest on a BJP ticket.

Magathane (North Mumbai): Praveen Darekar (MNS) vs Prakash Surve (Sena)

The Shiv Sena is likely to field former NCP leader Surve, who joined the party recently, against sitting MLA Darekar. Surve, who contested the last elections on an NCP ticket, polled in the second  highest number of votes. The contest just got more interesting with Surve suddenly losing the support of the area’s BJP loyalists.

Kudal, Konkan: Vaibhav Naik (Sena) vs Narayan Rane (Congress)

Rane’s departure from the Sena and his entry into the Congress is the reason that Naik, nephew of Congress leader Sridhar Naik, joined the Shiv Sena. This could be one of the closest contests this election.

Sawantwadi: Deepak Kesarkar (Shiv Sena) vs Rajan Teli (NCP)

Kesarkar, who was an NCP MLA during the 2014 general elections, rebelled against his party leaders and openly campaigned against Rane. Teli, who was a former aide of Rane from within the Congress, joined the NCP this month after the two fell apart.

Navapur: Sharad Gavit (NCP) v/s Swaroopsingh Naik (Congress)

Sitting MLA Gavit, previously with the Samajwadi Party, is likely to contest against Congress veteran Surupsingh Naik

Tasgaon-Kavthemahankal, Western Maharashtra: R R Patil (NCP) vs Ajit Ghorpade (BJP)

Senior NCP leader Ajit Ghorpade joined the BJP this month and may be pitted against Home Minister Patil.

Shahada: Rajendra Gavit (Shiv Sena) vs Padmakar Valvi (Congress)

Sena’s Gavit, brother of former medical education minister from NCP Vijaykumar Gavit who has now joined the BJP, might be pitted against Congress legislator and Sports Minister Padmakar Valvi.

Ghatkopar (East): Praveen Chheda (Congress) vs Prakash Mehta (BJP)

Chheda, a BJP corporator in BMC, quit his party and joined Congress in 2012 due to differences with Mehta, a BJP MLA from Ghatkopar.