The Indian electorate has already navigated through the initial three phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, showcasing their democratic spirit and fervor. The remaining phases of the seven-segment electoral process, which commenced on April 19 and will conclude on June 1, are being closely watched by citizens and political analysts alike. On June 4, the comprehensive electoral outcome will be revealed, unraveling the composition of India’s parliamentary representation.
In Maharashtra, a significant state that boasts 48 parliamentary seats, the election is staggered across five phases. These crucial dates include April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20, with each phase commanding great attention and strategic planning from political contenders and their respective parties.
One such constituency under the limelight is Aurangabad, a seat possessing not only historical significance but also a dynamic political landscape. This seat, among Maharashtra’s 48, is poised for a highly anticipated polling event on May 13. Politicians and voters, alike, are gearing up for what is shaping up to be a thrilling stage of the 2024 General Elections.
As the contest heats up in Aurangabad, key political players have already been established by their parties. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) has decided to place their confidence once more in the incumbent Member of Parliament, Imtiaz Jaleel. His return as a candidate reflects the party’s trust in his representation and ability to secure the seat for a subsequent term. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on the other hand, has introduced Sushil Kumar Singh into the fray, hoping to make a significant dent in the voting patterns with their fresh face.
A compelling layer to the electoral competition is added by the split between the factions of the Shiv Sena. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has relied on its seasoned candidate, Chandrakant Khaire, seeking to leverage his past success in the constituency, which included a victory streak spanning four terms. Conversely, the Eknath Shinde-led faction has put forth Sandipan Bhumre as their choice, adding to an already complex political spectrum that the voters will have to navigate.
Reflecting on the most recent Lok Sabha election of 2019, AIMIM’s Imtiaz Jaleel emerged as the victor, claiming the Aurangabad seat with a vote count of 389042. He narrowly surpassed his closest competitor, Shiv Sena’s Chandrakant Khaire, who tallied at 384550 votes, marking the constituency’s changing political leanings and the close contests that have come to define it.
Travel back a little further to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, and one will find a different narrative where Chandrakant Khaire was triumphant for Shiv Sena, accumulating a stout 520902 votes. Challenged by the Congress’ Patil Nitin Suresh with 358902 votes, Khaire’s comfortable victory at that time served as a testament to his stronghold in the region.
As the constituents of Aurangabad prepare to make their voices heard on May 13, the anticipation surrounding the outcome reiterates the vital role this constituency will play in the larger democratic canvas of India. In the meantime, the digital front also stands ready with the DNA app, now available on the Google Play Store. This platform invites users to download and actively participate in the electoral dialogue by sharing their feedback, further illustrating the deep-seated spirit of democracy that permeates the nation.
