In a closely contested political battle, Congress candidate Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan emerged victorious in the Nanded Lok Sabha by-election in Maharashtra, defeating BJP’s Santut Rao Hambarde by a narrow margin of just 1,457 votes. The electoral race remained suspenseful throughout the counting process, with both candidates frequently exchanging leads in the initial rounds. Ultimately, Chavan secured 586,788 votes, while Hambarde garnered 585,331 votes, highlighting the razor-thin competition between the two parties.
The by-election was necessitated following the unfortunate demise of Congress MP Vasant Rao Chavan. His son, Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan, stepped in to contest the seat, drawing on the family’s longstanding political influence in the region. The result serves as a significant win for the Congress party, particularly amidst growing competition in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’s candidate, Avinash Vishwanath Bhosikar, finished in third place, reflecting the fragmented voter sentiment in the constituency. Analysts suggest that this victory not only honors the legacy of the late Vasant Rao Chavan but also underscores the Congress party’s ability to consolidate support at a local level.
The outcome of the Nanded by-election carries political significance, offering both challenges and momentum for the Congress party as Maharashtra gears up for larger electoral battles in the near future.