BJP expects a clean sweep in Bhandara district

BHANDARA: BJP is expecting a clean sweep in this east Vidarbha district riding on Narendra Modi wave and anti-incumbency factor against the Congress-NCP government. Political analysts say it is BJP rather than Shiv Sena that will benefit from the anti-incumbency.
In Bhandara, sitting Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar is facing tough challenge from BJP candidate Ramchandra Avsare.Bhondekar did not create his own vote bank. His support base in Paoni block has been dented by his former aide Mohan Surkar. Paoni is a Teli dominated area and Surkar is supporting Avsare. In Bhandara city, Modi factor among new voters has given the edge to Avsare over Bhondekar.
Tumsar is witnessing one to one fight between BJP candidate Charan Waghmare and NCP candidate Madhukar Kukade, who represented this constituency thrice as a BJP leader. Congress candidate Pramod Titarmare and Sena candidate Rajendra Patle are banking on Kunbi and Powar communities respectively. Teli, Powar and Kunbi are the dominant communities in the constituency.
The Sena candidate is a Powar but leaders of this community like ex-MP Shishupal Patle and ZP vice-president Ramesh Pardhi are backing Waghmare. Even though the seat is a prestige issue for NCP leader Praful Patel, the party candidate Kukade has a tough fight on his hands.
Sakoli assembly constituency is witnessing a proxy battle between BJP MP Nana Patole and Praful Patel. The respective candidates of BJP and NCP are playing only a nominal role here. Patel has sworn to avenge his defeat at the hands of Patole. NCP’s Sunil Funde is a close aide of Patel while Bala Kashiwar of BJP is a trusted lieutenant of Patole. Kashiwar belongs to Kohali community, which traditional supports BJP. Congress’ Sevak Waghaye and Funde, both Kunbis, are mainly banking on their community vote. However, Kunbi vote is divided because Patole’s hold over the community. Patole, himself a Kunbi, has drawn a lot of votes for his candidate.