States » WestPosted at: Oct 28 2026 11:46PM


Second-preference votes help Congress’ Abhijit Wanjari retain Nagpur Graduates’ seat

Nagpur, Oct 28 (UNI) Congress candidate Abhijit Wanjari defeated BJP nominee Sudhakar Kohale in the Nagpur Division Graduates’ Constituency election, overturning an initial deficit with the help of second-preference votes, particularly those of independent candidate Nitesh Karale, popularly known as Karale Guruji.
The result marked a significant setback for the BJP in its traditional stronghold, where Kohale had established a lead of around 4,000 votes during the counting process. His advantage subsequently increased to nearly 5,000 votes after the counting of votes for several candidates.
However, the transfer of second-preference votes during successive elimination rounds changed the electoral picture, enabling Wanjari to overcome Kohale’s lead and secure victory.
A substantial share of Karale’s second-preference votes reportedly went in favour of the Congress candidate.
The outcome has raised questions over the BJP’s candidate selection and internal unity.
The party had faced discontent following its decision to field Kohale, while former MLA Anil Sole’s reported dissent added to the challenges confronting the party during the campaign.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had visited Sole’s residence in an effort to persuade him to support the party’s candidate.
Fadnavis also held meetings with representatives of educational institutions, social organisations and business groups to strengthen the BJP’s campaign.
The result underlined the decisive role of preferential voting in graduates’ constituency elections, where an early lead does not necessarily guarantee victory.
UNI PK CDS
Tags: #Second-preference votes help Congress’ Abhijit Wanjari retain Nagpur Graduates’ seat
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