Nagpur, October 28: The Nagpur Division Graduates’ Constituency election has entered a crucial phase, with the contest between BJP’s Sudhakar Kohale and Congress’s Abhijit Vanjari remaining closely fought. Neither candidate has secured the required quota to win outright, making the counting of second-preference votes decisive.
After two rounds of first-preference counting, Kohale has taken the lead with 60,124 votes, while Vanjari stands second with 56,630 votes. The constituency recorded 1,65,909 valid votes.
Kohale Takes the Lead After Second Round
Vanjari reportedly held an early advantage in the first round, raising hopes in the Congress camp. However, Kohale made a strong comeback in the second round, building a lead of approximately 3,500 votes over his rival.
The latest figures put Kohale ahead by 3,494 votes, setting the stage for a decisive second-preference count.
Rebel Nitesh Karale Emerges as a Key Factor
NCP rebel candidate Nitesh Karale, popularly known as Karale Guruji, has emerged as a significant factor in the election, securing 24,249 first-preference votes.
Of the remaining 35 candidates, 21 have been eliminated under the applicable counting rules. The other candidates together have secured approximately 7,000 votes, according to the figures available.
With neither leading candidate reaching the required winning quota, the elimination process has begun and second-preference votes are being counted.
Second-Preference Votes Hold the Key
In the initial count of second-preference votes, Kohale received 56 votes, Vanjari secured 63, while Karale received 48.
The crucial question is where Karale’s second-preference votes will go if he is eliminated. The transfer of these votes could significantly influence the final outcome.
Both the BJP and Congress camps will be watching the count closely as the remaining preferences are tallied. The final result will depend on the prescribed counting and vote-transfer procedure, including whether either candidate reaches the required quota.
The race for the Nagpur Division Graduates’ Constituency remains open, with the second-preference count set to determine who becomes the next MLC.
