Though the statistics show, Mahayuti has not changed their sitting MLAs while allotting tickets for Maharashtra Assembly polls, at some constituencies in Nagpur district, both alliances have changed their candidates. Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aaghadi both have fielded the first timers who are likely to pose tough challenge to opponents. Vishal Barbate who has been fielded by Shiv Sena (UBT) from Ramtek, is contesting for the first time on the official ticket of a major political party. Shiv Sena had demanded this seat on the basis of seat-sharing formula--sitting getting. Barbate may give a tough fight to Shiv Sena (Shinde) candidate Ashish Jaiswal. Unlike Barbate, Pravin Datke of BJP is a seasoned candidate. He worked as Mayor of Nagpur, currently he is MLC, party had given him responsibility as President of City BJP. Datke is contesting Assembly polls for the first time though.

 

He is posing tough challenge to Congress in Nagpur Central. Manoj Sangole fielded by BSP too is a fresher from Nagpur North, as he left Congress and joined BSP. Another name is of Anuja Kedar, wife of former Minister Sunil Kedar, contesting from Saoner on Congress ticket. As Kedar was not able to contest the polls, he roped in his wife. Anuja Kedar though has a legacy of political dynasty, she is novice in this field. She is likely to pose challenge for BJP’s Dr Ashish Deshmukh. For the first time in last several years, Katol is missing presence of Anil Deshmukh as candidate for Assembly polls.

 

This time he gave a chance to his son Salil. Salil did a lot of work in this constituency and established connect with people. BJP kept faith in Charan Singh Thakur. Here Congress’ Yadnyavalkya Jichkar too is a fresh face who has filed nomination as an Independent candidate. Jichkar had demanded ticket but Congress denied him. Another new name in the fray is of Duneshwar Pethe in East Nagpur. Pethe has been fielded by Sharad Pawar faction of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). NCP has for the first time fielded candidate from Nagpur city. Pethe is NCP’s city president and lone Corporator of the party. Pethe has the challenge of Krishna Khopde of BJP and Abha Pandey (Independent).