Pune: NCP’s Shankar Mandekar Defeats Sangram Thopte By 19,638 Votes In Bhor
Bhor, 23rd November 2024: Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has successfully breached the Indian National Congress stronghold in the Bhor constituency. NCP’s Shankar Mandekar defeated sitting MLA Sangram Thopte by a margin of 19,638 votes. Thopte, seeking his fourth term, faced strong opposition from the fresh face of Mandekar.
Thopte was burdened with significant anti-incumbency sentiment and allegations of nepotism, being the son of Anantrao Thopte, a six-time MLA from Bhor. While Thopte had the support of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, who enjoyed a sympathy wave during the Lok Sabha elections, he was unable to replicate that success.
Anti-incumbency was particularly strong in areas like Mulshi, Hinjawadi, and surrounding regions, where residents voiced their dissatisfaction.
With a total of 4.21 lakh voters and a high turnout of 68.01%, the conditions favoured Mandekar. Despite predictions of a close contest, Mandekar secured a comfortable victory over Thopte.
