Sanjay Rambhau Gaikwad, representing the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has won the Buldhana Assembly seat with a narrow margin of 841 votes. Backed by the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, Gaikwad successfully retained his seat in a closely contested electoral battle.

A decisive yet narrow win
The Buldhana constituency, known for its dynamic political landscape, recorded a turnout of 62.39% in this high-stakes election. Gaikwad, leveraging the organisational strength of the Mahayuti coalition, edged past his closest rival, Jayshree Sunil Shelke of the Shiv Sena (UBT).

Constituency overview

  • Category: Unreserved
  • Polling Stations: 337
  • Total Registered Voters: 21,04,525
    • Male Voters: 10,97,099
    • Female Voters: 10,07,391
    • Third Gender Voters: 35

Buldhana’s voter base reflects a diverse demographic, with issues like rural development, farmer welfare, and political stability dominating the electoral discourse.

Key issues in Buldhana

  1. Political Stability: Amid the backdrop of party splits and shifting alliances, voters sought clarity on the path forward for governance in Maharashtra.
  2. Development vs. Defections: Stalled development projects and frequent political realignments were a key concern for the electorate.
  3. Farmer Welfare: As an agrarian constituency, policies on irrigation, crop support, and rural upliftment remained central to voter priorities.
  4. Shiv Sena Division: The emotional and ideological split within the Shiv Sena added another layer of complexity to the elections.

2019 Assembly Election Results

  • Sanjay Rambhau Gaikwad (Shiv Sena): 26,075 votes

A test of alliances and leadership
Gaikwad’s victory reaffirms the Mahayuti alliance’s strength in the region while underscoring the challenges faced by the Shiv Sena (UBT) in maintaining its foothold. The slim margin of victory highlights the evolving dynamics in Buldhana, where traditional loyalties are being tested against development aspirations and political realignments.

This win not only cements Gaikwad’s leadership in the constituency, but also serves as a barometer of voter sentiment amidst Maharashtra’s fractured political landscape.