Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
As soon as the results of the Zilla Parishad (ZP) and Panchayat Samiti elections were declared, the Waluj area erupted in celebration, with supporters of the winning candidates rejoicing enthusiastically. From early morning, party workers had gathered outside the vote-counting centres. The moment the results were announced, the atmosphere resonated with DJ music.
Showers of gulal, firecrackers, the rhythmic beats of dhol–tashas and jubilant victory processions created a festive mood across villages in the region.
From Wadgaon Kolhati Gut No. 50, Uddhav Sena candidate Lalita Sonawane secured victory in ZP, while Dattatray Warpe and Satish Hivale were elected to the PS. From Wadgaon Kolhati Gut No. 51, independent (BJP-backed) candidate Sachin Garad emerged victorious in the ZP election. For the Panchayat Samiti, Ratnamala Dhamdhere and Balasaheb Gade were elected.
From the Pandharpur Gut, Uddhav Sena’s Vidya Ramesh Gaikwad won ZP election, while Latabai Kanade and NCP’s Anurag Shinde were elected to the PS election. From the Ranjangaon Gut, BJP’s Amol Lohakare won the ZP seat, while Sanjivani Sadavarte and Sangeeta Thokale secured victories for the PS.
From the Ambelohal group, BJP’s Ratan Battishe emerged victorious in the ZP election, while Savliram Thorat and NCP’s Pradeep Sonawane won PS seats. From the Waluj group, NCP’s Balaji Sontakke won the ZP election, while Mangalbai Dnyaneshwar Nil and Jyoti Argade were elected to the PS.
Following the declaration of results, large crowds of supporters gathered outside the homes of the winning candidates and at party offices. Gulal was showered using JCB machines, while convoys of vehicles, party flags, slogan-chanting supporters and dancing workers to loud DJ music transformed the Waluj area into a vibrant celebration zone.
Wadgaon Kolhati, Pandharpur and Daulatabad Guts were considered strongholds of guardian minister Sanjay Shirsat. However, the fact that not a single Shinde Sena candidate won in these groups has sparked intense political discussion.
Box 1
Lead of 11,604 votes
From the Ranjangaon Gut, BJP candidate Amol Lohakare recorded a remarkable victory with a massive margin of 11,604 votes, delivering a record-breaking performance. It is being claimed that this is the highest victory margin in the state in these elections. Maintaining a strong lead from the beginning, Lohakare left his rivals far behind. This victory has ensured that MLA Prashant Bamb’s stronghold remains intact.
Box 2
Retired ACP makes a strong entry into politics
Retired ACP Balaji Sontakke, who contested the election from the Waluj Gut on behalf of the Nationalist Congress Party, secured a decisive victory by defeating the BJP candidate. Party workers believe that Sontakke’s experience in law and order, along with his strong local connections, played a key role in his success.