INC candidate Ameet Subhashrao Zanak achieved a significant win in the Risod seat in Maharashtra, securing 76,809 votes. Anantrao Vitthalrao Deshmukh came in second place with 70,673 votes, and Shiv Sena's Bhavana Pundlikrao Gawali got 60,693 votes.

The counting of votes began at 8 am on Saturday in the Risod seat where the election is witnessing a major battle. 

The Risod constituency (number 33), located in the Washim district of Maharashtra, is part of the Akola Lok Sabha constituency. Risod has been historically associated with Congress, making it a significant battleground in the state. The constituency went to polls on November 20, with results to be declared on Saturday.

Key candidates

Ameet 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.

How many candidates are in the fray?

A total of 12 candidates are contesting from the constituency.

What was the 2019 mandate in Risod?

In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Ameet Subhashrao 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.

What are the issues for Risod residents this election?

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.

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.

2024 voter turnout

Risod emerged as a key battleground, recording a voter turnout of 70.36 percent.