In the 2024 general elections, Shiv Sena candidate Ravindra Waikar clinched victory in the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency by a slim margin of just 48 votes, marking the tightest race in Maharashtra during this electoral cycle.
According to data from the Election Commission (EC), Ravindra Waikar garnered a total of 452,644 votes, narrowly edging out his closest competitor, Amol Kirtikar of the Shiv Sena (UBT), who secured 452,596 votes. The contest unfolded as a closely contested affair, characterized by a back-and-forth struggle between the two contenders.
Ravindra Waikar, serving as the MLA for the Jogeshwari East constituency in suburban Mumbai, made headlines earlier this year with his defection from the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) to the faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde within the Shiv Sena party. His candidacy for the Lok Sabha seat was announced in the eleventh hour, adding to the intrigue surrounding the electoral battle.
Throughout the counting process, both candidates experienced moments of leading, underscoring the intensity of the competition. Notably, there was a fleeting instance where Amol Kirtikar held a mere one-vote lead.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray expressed reservations regarding the integrity of the counting procedure, citing suspicions of irregularities. He indicated the party’s contemplation of challenging the election outcome, hinting at potential legal recourse in response to perceived discrepancies.
The narrow victory margin in the Mumbai North West constituency highlights the significance of each vote cast and underscores the electoral dynamics prevalent in Maharashtra during the 2024 general elections.
