The Risod constituency, located in the Washim district of Maharashtra, is gearing up for a high-stakes battle in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Part of the Akola Lok Sabha constituency, Risod has been historically associated with Congress, making it a significant battleground in the state. The constituency will go to the polls on November 20, with results to be declared on November 23.

Key candidates

Amit Subhashrao Zanak, the incumbent Congress MLA since 2014, is seeking re-election for a third consecutive term. Zanak, whose family has deep political roots in the constituency, will face strong competition from Bhavana Pundlikrao Gawali of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction). Anantrao Deshmukh, an independent candidate with a history in the region, is also in the fray. Deshmukh, a former Congress member, had contested in 2019 but lost, making his return a key factor in this year’s contest.

Local issues and concerns

Local issues in Risod include agricultural concerns, water supply, rural development, and job creation. Given the region’s agrarian nature, farmers' issues such as crop prices, irrigation facilities, and loan waivers remain central to the election discourse. Infrastructure development, including roads and healthcare facilities, are also key issues that the candidates will address to appeal to voters.

Electorate size and voter turnout

The Risod constituency has a total of 2,47,302 voters, according to 2019 Election Commission data. In 2019, the voter turnout was 70 percent, reflecting active engagement in the political process.

Past election results

In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Amit Zanak won the seat with a commanding margin, securing 58 percent of the vote share. He defeated Anantrao Vitthalrao Deshmukh (Independent), who trailed behind by a significant margin. Zanak’s family has a strong political legacy in the area, as his late father, Subhash Zanak, also represented the constituency.

2024 election outlook

The 2024 elections in Risod are expected to be a tightly contested race. While Congress has traditionally enjoyed strong support in the region, the presence of Shiv Sena’s Gawali and the return of independent Deshmukh make this election one of the most competitive in recent years.

The Risod constituency votes today, and the results will be announced on November 23.