Congress Secures Nagpur MLC Seat, Defeating BJP by 3,271 Votes
In a surprising turn of events, Congress candidate Abhijeet Wanjari retains the Nagpur MLC seat, marking a significant defeat for the BJP.
Abhijeet Wanjari won the Nagpur MLC seat, defeating BJP's Sudhakar Kohale by 3,271 votes.
The election results are seen as a major setback for the BJP in its stronghold, Nagpur.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition secured three out of five contested MLC seats.
In a notable upset for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress candidate Abhijeet Wanjari has successfully retained the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) seat in the Nagpur Division Graduates' constituency. The election results were announced after an extensive counting process that lasted over 40 hours, concluding in the early hours of Thursday, October 29, 2026. Wanjari garnered 67,231 votes, defeating BJP's Sudhakar Kohale, who received 63,960 votes.
This election is particularly significant as it took place in Nagpur, the political stronghold of prominent BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Both leaders had actively campaigned for Kohale, who previously served as an MLA. Historically, Nagpur has been viewed as a bastion for the BJP, with Gadkari himself representing the constituency in the Legislative Council for 24 years.
The counting process saw a dramatic shift in momentum, with Kohale initially leading before Wanjari surged ahead after the second-preference votes were tallied. Following the announcement of the results, Congress leaders quickly capitalized on the BJP's defeat, highlighting a deleted tweet by Fadnavis that prematurely declared a total loss for Congress in the elections. The Maharashtra Congress took to social media to mock Fadnavis, suggesting that his confidence was misplaced.
The implications of this election extend beyond the immediate victory for Congress. The Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, which includes Congress, has now secured three out of the five contested MLC seats in the recent elections held on October 23. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance managed to win the remaining two seats, indicating a shift in voter sentiment in Maharashtra.
Looking ahead, the results prompt a reevaluation within the BJP and its strategies, especially as the party remains the largest in the Legislative Council with 35 members. Meanwhile, the NCP has called for an urgent review of its organizational priorities following its losses. As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on the upcoming elections in 2029, where the opposition aims to build on this momentum against the ruling party.
