Dindori Lok Sabha Election 2024: Sharad Pawar’s NCP Will Face a Harsh Battle in Its Bastion Against the BJP
NCP Chief and former Union Minister Sharad Pawar 
Dindori is one of Maharashtra’s 48 Lok Sabha constituencies, located in Nashik district. Reserved for Scheduled Tribes, it includes the following six Vidhan Sabha segments: Nandgaon (Shiv Sena), Kalwan (NCP), Chandwad (BJP), Yevla (NCP), Niphad (NCP), and Dindori (NCP). Voting for this constituency is scheduled for May 20 in the fifth phase of the General Elections, with vote counting set for June 4.
2019 Results and 2024 Candidates
Dr. Bharati Pawar of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently represents Dindori, having won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with 49.88% of the vote. In the 2024 elections, she will face Bhaskar Bhagare of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).
Political Dynamics: BJP’s Challenging Landscape
The BJP, which has held Dindori since its inception in 2008, faces a tough contest. Dr. Bharati Pawar, who won by a margin of 1.99 lakh votes in 2019, is contesting again. However, the political landscape has changed significantly. The BJP’s previous alliance with a united Shiv Sena has shifted to support from the Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar factions, which has caused internal conflicts within the Mahayuti alliance.
A significant challenge arose when Harishchandra Chavan, a former BJP MP for Dindori, considered running as an independent candidate. After negotiations, he withdrew, avoiding a split in BJP votes. Nevertheless, tensions within the NDA remain, highlighted by the absence of Narhari Zirwal, an NCP (Ajit Pawar) MLA, who reportedly supported the opposition candidate.
Dr. Bharati Pawar’s recognition in the constituency is an advantage, but the BJP faces public dissatisfaction, particularly from farmers. The onion export ban imposed by the central government caused severe economic distress for local farmers, contributing to the party’s difficulties despite the ban’s recent lift on May 4.
Advantage for Maha Vikas Aghadi
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), particularly Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, appears to have an edge in Dindori. Bhaskar Bhagare, a teacher and newcomer to politics, is their candidate. His candidacy underscores Sharad Pawar’s significant influence in the region, evident from the NCP’s past victories in four of Dindori’s six assembly segments.
A sympathy wave for the MVA, especially the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar), has been observed due to perceptions that the BJP orchestrated splits in these parties. Many voters feel betrayed by the defections of NCP MLAs to the Ajit Pawar camp, yet some, like Narhari Zirwal, have been campaigning for Sharad Pawar’s faction.
Key Issues in Dindori
Onion Export Ban
The ban on onion exports has deeply affected farmers, leading to significant financial losses. Although the ban was lifted recently, the impact lingers, with farmers skeptical about the timing of this decision, viewing it as an election tactic.
Water Crisis
Nashik district is experiencing a severe water shortage, with dam levels significantly lower than last year. This scarcity has raised concerns about sufficient water supply for both residents and livestock.
Farmer Distress
Farmers in Dindori face challenges from unseasonal weather and increased costs, such as a 22% hike in fertilizer prices. Despite various government schemes, the implementation has been poor, leading to economic hardships.
Employment and Migration
With limited industrial development, agriculture remains the primary employment source. However, ongoing agricultural issues have driven youth to seek better opportunities elsewhere, resulting in significant migration.
Communal Tensions
Dindori has experienced tensions between Qadianis and Muslims, often revolving around social issues. Recent incidents have heightened community unrest, prompting calls for government intervention.
Lack of Infrastructure
The region suffers from inadequate infrastructure, including poor roads, insufficient healthcare and educational facilities, and unreliable public services. This has forced residents to seek services in Nashik.
Maratha Agitation
Support for the Maratha reservation movement is strong in Dindori, with several villages banning politicians until their demands are met. Voter dissatisfaction with the BJP’s handling of the issue remains high.
Infrastructure Development in Dindori
Dindori MIDC
Industrial development is on the rise, with new MIDC areas providing ready-made facilities for businesses, attracting significant investments.
Railway Infrastructure
Upgrades to stations and rail lines, including electrification and modernization, have improved connectivity and services in the region.
Road Infrastructure
The state has allocated Rs. 113 crore for road improvements in Dindori, enhancing local transportation networks.
Voter Demographics and Composition
Dindori has a total of 1,725,172 voters, with significant Scheduled Tribe representation (36.1%). The constituency is predominantly rural (88.8%) with a majority Hindu population (94.5%).
The outcome of the upcoming elections in Dindori will hinge on addressing these critical issues and navigating the complex political landscape.