BJP may increase its tally in Akola

AKOLA: Despite gaining a dubious distinction of having lowest voting percentage in the assembly elections among all 11 districts in Vidarbha, Akola citizens are eagerly anticipating poll outcome on Sunday. The five constituencies accounted for 56.18% while Bhandara was highest at 70.97%.
Fate of about 93 candidates from Akola East, Akola West, Akot, Murtijapur and Balapur would be decided on Sunday.A majority of results would be completely unpredictable in this district that is dominated by caste considerations. Multi-cornered fights due to alliances splitting up have also made guesswork difficult. Many candidates are believed to have been visited Shegaon shrine to seek blessings from the almighty in this week.
All eyes would be on interesting battle of Akola West where four-time sitting MLA Govardhan Sharma is locked in a battle with former MLA Gulabrao Gawande from Shiv Sena, that has a strong presence in the area. Sena played a smart move by granting ticket to Gawande in his home turf. They will face tough challenge from former aide of ex-minister Narayan Rane, Vijay Deshmukh, who is contesting from NCP ticket, and Asif Khan of BRP-BMS, having strong vote bank in the form of Dalits and Muslims.
Congress has given a ticket to a woman – Usha Virak – for the first time, who was five time municipal councillor, but observers say she will find it tough to score a win. While Sharma told TOI that he was banking on his good work, Gawande said people wanted strong candidate who could raise their grievances in the assembly.
Another interesting battle would be at Akola East, formerly known as Borgaon Manju, where sitting BRP-BMS MLA Haridas Bhade is locked in battle with NCP’s Shirish Dhotre, Sena’s Gopikishan Bajoria and Congress’ Subhashchandra Korpe. Bhade is likely to sail through considering his strong base of Dalits.