Record 97.92% turnout in Satara district bank poll as Mahayuti partners fight each other

The Satara District Central Cooperative Bank, which goes to the polls once in five years, recorded a record 97.92 per cent turnout. The real test of the power equations in the district's politics has now begun. Results will be announced on November 3.

On the face of it, the BJP, the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) and the Shiv Sena have contested as the Mahayuti. In reality, the three are locked in a fight for dominance. The BJP and the NCP have put in their full strength to win the maximum number of directors on 12 seats.

The contest in the Khandala taluka society constituency, with just 50 votes, drew the most attention. It was a three-cornered fight between the NCP's Ajay Bhosale, the BJP's Aniruddha Gadhave and independent Adv. Shamrao Gadhave. Every vote was decisive, so both parties had planned special strategies to add votes and keep their voters together. The NCP sent its voters on an outing to keep its votes safe, while the BJP also mounted a strong campaign to win.

On polling day, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil arrived at the polling centre around 11 am and brought his voters to cast their votes. Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore then reached the centre premises with his own voters. As the convoy of vehicles carrying BJP voters arrived, shouts of "thief, thief" rose from the crowd and an argument broke out between the two groups. It escalated into pushing and scuffling, and there was tension around the centre for some time. Police intervened immediately, averting a serious incident. Tight security had been put in place under the guidance of Police Inspector Mahendra Jagtap.

MP Udayanraje Bhosale and Public Works Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale were not directly in the contest, but kept a close watch on political activity in Satara taluka. Shivendrasinhraje has made it clear that by leaving more seats in the Mahayuti seat-sharing, he kept the word he had given the Chief Minister. Even so, given the presence of supporters of the two Rajes around the polling centre and the activity behind the scenes, their remote control is expected to remain important in the bank's power equation.

In Phaltan, traditional political rivals Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar and MP Ranjitsinh Naik Nimbalkar came face to face at the time of voting. The two leaders, known for their political clashes, smiled at each other and exchanged greetings. The rare moment became a talking point in Phaltan politics. A few days ago in Karad, Ramraje and Jaykumar Gore were seen sitting side by side on the same stage, talking freely. These events have set off talk of new equations among rivals. There is also speculation about what effect it would have on the district's politics if Ramraje moves towards an understanding with his opponents.

In Man taluka, the contest is claimed to be as the Mahayuti, but there it is a fight of prestige between Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore on one side and Shekhar Gore and Manoj Pol on the other. This has sharpened the BJP versus NCP contest there. In Patan, the traditional political rivalry between guardian minister Shambhuraj Desai and Satyajitsinh Patankar has added colour to the election. In Mahabaleshwar, it is said that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's strength is behind Sanjay More, who faces a challenge from Sonali Rajpure. There is also a tough contest on the Scheduled Tribes and nomadic tribes seats.

The record turnout has put the prestige of all parties at stake. The BJP has mounted a wide campaign across the district, but the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) and the Shiv Sena have also shown their strength. All eyes are on how effective the Shiv Sena's entry into the bank proves, whether the BJP's numbers rise, or whether the NCP retains its dominance.

In Man, the biggest question will be whether Jaykumar Gore reaches the bank or Shekhar Gore gives him a stiff challenge. The November 3 counting will therefore be not only about the win or loss of candidates, but a test of strength within the Mahayuti and will shape the future political direction of Satara district.