NAGPUR: As Maharashtra braces for assembly polls, the state’s political landscape is set for a generational shift, with the polls promising a blend of legacy and ambition, as scions of influential political families step into the limelight, ready to carry forward their dynasty’s mantles. Majority of these are witnessed in Congress and NCP camps from both factions.
In Nagpur – political heartland of Vidarbha – the air is thick with anticipation. Kunal Raut, son of Congress stalwart Nitin Raut, is making waves as the Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress president. The young Raut, eyeing Ramtek assembly seat, embodies the Congress’ push for fresh leadership. His father, an AICC heavyweight, has been subtly paving the way for his son’s political debut.
The Deshmukh family, too, is strategising its next move. Salil Deshmukh, son of former home minister Anil Deshmukh, is poised to contest from Katol. There are rumours that senior Deshmukh might make way for his son, potentially setting up a high-stakes face-off with deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis in Nagpur Southwest seat.
Vishal Muttemwar, scion of former Union minister Vilas Muttemwar, is vying for a ticket from Nagpur South constituency. Already at the helm of Congress’ social media operations in Maharashtra, Vishal’s bid represents the digital-savvy face of the party’s next generation.
The Wadettiwar family is making strategic moves of its own. Shivani, daughter of opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar, is rumoured to be eyeing her father’s former Chimur constituency.
In Karanja, Jaik Patni is stepping into shoes of his late father, MLA Rajendra Patni. Meanwhile, Aheri is witnessing a family drama unfold as Bhagyashree Atram Halgekar, daughter of minister Dharmarao Baba Atram from Ajit Pawar’s camp, prepares to challenge her own father, having switched allegiance to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction.
Nashik presents another intriguing scenario, with Gokul Zhirwal, son of deputy speaker Narhari Zhirwal, potentially facing off against his father’s NCP faction.
The Marathwada region is not immune to this dynastic fever. Former Congress CM Ashok Chavan, now in BJP fold, is rumoured to be grooming his daughter Shrijaya for Nanded’s Bhokar seat. Meanwhile, BJP insiders hint at Rahul Lonikar, son of ex-minister Babanrao Lonikar, making his debut from Parbhani.
Pune, the bastion of the Pawar clan, is witnessing its own change of guard. Jay Pawar, son of Ajit Pawar, is tipped to contest from the family stronghold of Baramati, with his father hinting at a step back from active candidacy.