Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Eknath Shinde fights for his stronghold of Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency

The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections were crucial for Eknath Shinde, especially in his stronghold Kopri-Pachpakhadi seat in Thane. This constituency witnessed an intense three-way contest, underscoring Shinde’s influence and deepening rivalries within Shiv Sena factions.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde shows his inked finger after casting his vote during the Thane assembly elections.(PTI)

Eknath Shinde, the incumbent MLAhe faced Kedar Dighe, nephew of his late mentor Anand Dighe, and Independent Manoj Shinde, who was recently expelled from the Congress for anti-party activities.

Kopri-Pachpakhadi has immense significance not only for Eknath Shinde but also for Shiv Sena (UBT), headed by Uddhav Thackeray. The constituency witnessed a bitter fight in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where Naresh Mhaske of Shinde’s faction defeated incumbent UBT MP Rajan Vichare with a substantial lead in the segment. The victory strengthened Shinde’s dominance in the area and set the stage for the assembly polls.

Eknath Shinde’s Political Journey

Eknath Shinde’s political journey began in Thane, where he went from being a grassroots leader to an MP in 2004. He retained his seat after the Kopri-Pachpakhadi Assembly was created, securing three consecutive terms in 2009, 2014 and 2019. Known for his development-oriented governance, Shinde has consistently promoted infrastructure projects in Thane, strengthening its connection with the electorate.

However, the 2022 split from the Shiv Sena marked a turning point in Shinde’s career. Leading a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde claimed to support the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. His faction, supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party, formed a government and Shinde took over as chief minister. The Shiv Sena (UBT) branded him a “traitor”, a narrative it continues to promote in the 2024 elections.

Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency

In Kopri-Pachpakhadi, Kedar Dighe’s surname evokes the legacy of Anand Dighe, a towering figure in Thane politics and Shinde’s political mentor. The entry of independent candidate Manoj Shinde added another dimension to the contest, potentially splitting the vote.

For Shinde, the election was a referendum on his leadership and ability to hold on to his stronghold amid challenges from his former allies and adversaries.