Abhijeet Wanjari Secures Nagpur MLC Seat for Congress by 3,271 Votes

In a tightly contested election, Congress candidate Abhijeet Wanjari has successfully retained the Nagpur Division Graduates’ constituency seat, defeating his nearest rival from the BJP, Sudhakar Kohale, by a margin of 3,271 votes. The vote counting commenced on the morning of October 27, 2026, and concluded in the early hours of October 29, 2026.

Wanjari, who is the sitting MLC, garnered a total of 67,231 votes, while Kohale, a former MLA, received 63,960 votes. This result marks a significant setback for the BJP, particularly as it occurred in the hometown of prominent leaders such as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, both of whom actively campaigned for Kohale.

Initially, after the second round of counting on October 28, Kohale was leading with 60,924 votes compared to Wanjari's 56,630. However, as no candidate achieved the necessary quota of votes, the counting proceeded to the second preference votes. In the subsequent elimination rounds, Wanjari managed to secure the lead, ultimately achieving 67,231 votes against Kohale's 63,960, as confirmed by a senior election official.

The Nagpur Division Graduates’ constituency has a history of being represented by Union Minister Gadkari, who has held the MLC position for multiple terms. Wanjari's victory is particularly noteworthy as he previously defeated BJP candidate Sandip Joshi in the last election, indicating a continuing trend of Congress strength in the region.

Looking ahead, the implications of this election result could influence future political dynamics in Maharashtra, especially as both parties prepare for upcoming elections. The BJP will likely reassess its strategies in light of this defeat, while Congress may leverage this victory to bolster its position in the state.