Pune: BJP’s Mahesh Landge Wins Third Term In Bhosari By Over 50,000 Votes
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Bhosari, 23rd November 2024: Sitting MLA Mahesh Landge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured his third consecutive term by defeating Nationalist Congress Party – Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) candidate by more than 50,000 votes. Although a popular leader, Landge faced significant anti-incumbency sentiment and discontent within his alliance due to allegedly unfulfilled promises, according to reports.
Landge also encountered rebellions, with several leaders, including Ajit Gavhane and Ravi Landge, leaving the Mahayuti to join Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) in a bid to challenge him.
Known for his mass appeal, Landge is popular due to his wrestling persona, bullock cart racing, and famous speeches in the Maharashtra Assembly. However, the sympathy wave for Sharad Pawar, along with aggressive campaigning from Shirur MP Dr Amol Kolhe, worked against him. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s campaign received mixed reactions.
With a total of 5.86 lakh voters and a voter turnout of 61.14%, there was considerable uncertainty surrounding the outcome. Despite the tough contest, Mahesh Landge emerged victorious with a comfortable margin of 50,000 votes.
