Pune: Maval MLA Sunil Shelke Secures Consecutive Win, Defeats Bapu Bhegade

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Maval, 23rd November 2024: Sunil Shelke, the sitting MLA from Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has secured his second consecutive victory in the Maval constituency. Shelke faced independent candidate Bapu Bhegade, who had the support of the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) and even members of Shelke’s alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite initial uncertainty caused by the so-called “Maval Pattern,” where local BJP factions rebelled and campaigned against Shelke, his win was declared at 11:45 AM. Shelke led by a margin of 95,000 votes, mathematically securing the constituency.

With 3.83 lakh registered voters in Maval Taluka and a turnout of 70.01%, Shelke’s comfortable lead confirmed his victory well before all rounds of counting were completed. Despite opposition from Bapu Bhegade, who contested as an independent, Shelke maintained a strong lead throughout.

In 2019, Sunil Shelke, then with the BJP, contested against Bala Bhegade, the sitting BJP MLA at the time. When Bhegade resisted stepping aside, Shelke rebelled, joined the NCP, and secured a win. Following the 2023 NCP split, Shelke sided with Ajit Pawar and joined the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition.

This election cycle, tensions resurfaced as Bala Bhegade once again sought the Maval seat. However, Mahayuti’s policy of granting tickets to sitting MLAs ensured Shelke’s candidacy. In response, Bala Bhegade backed Bapu Bhegade, sparking a rebellion within the local BJP. Despite these challenges and the anticipation of a close contest, Shelke emerged victorious, securing a decisive win before the final count was completed.