Mahesh P Khandagale Prediction of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s Win in Kholapur

Mahesh’s prediction before Exit Polls that the Congress candidate, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, will secure the Kolhapur seat with a high margin over the incumbent Sanjay Mandlik is supported by several details from the sources provided:

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s Strengths:

1. Royal Legacy and Social Reforms:
2. Political Alignment and Support:
3. Public Perception and Accessibility:
4. Financial Strength:
5. Availability to People
6. Simplicity despite his high profile background and wealth

Sanjay Mandlik’s Weaknesses:

1. Political Instability and Credibility Issues:
2. Controversial Remarks and Public Perception:
3. Shinde’s Limited Influence:

Why Mahesh is confident:

The combination of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s strong royal legacy, political alignment with the MVA, public perception of accessibility, and substantial financial resources positions him STRONGLY against Sanjay Mandlik. Mandlik’s credibility issues, controversial and unnecceesary remarks, and perceived inaccessibility further weaken his credibility, supporting the prediction that Congress will secure the Kolhapur seat with a high margin.

• Despite Hon. CM Shinde saheb personal attention to the Kolhapur constituency, the internal divisions within the Shiv Sena and the broader political landscape may limit the effectiveness of his support for Mandlik.
• Mandlik’s  unnecessary comments Shahu Maharaj’s legitimacy as the true heir of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj have drawn sharp criticism and totally uncalled for and may alienate voters who respect the royal family. This is below the belt punch
• Mandlik reputation for being unavailable to constituents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has further damaged his image and is fresh in people’s minds
• Sanjay Mandlik has multi political party switch directly effected his image. He was previously with the NCP and later joined the Shiv Sena, aligning with the Shinde saheb’s faction.
• His father, Sadashivrao Mandlik, had a strong political legacy, but Sanjay’s frequent party switch and perceived inaccessibility have diminished his standing.
• Shahu Maharaj declared assets worth ₹297 crore, indicating substantial financial resources to support his campaign.
• Shahu Maharaj is known for his simplicity despite his royal legacy and his availability, which resonates well with the voters. He has been actively involved in social work and has a reputation for being approachable is undeniable
• Maharaj’s campaign focuses on saving democracy and addressing local issues like inflation and farmer unrest, which are significant concerns for the electorate. This attracted educated voters also
• Shahu Maharaj chose to contest under the Congress banner, which aligns with his ideology and the support of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. Choosing grand gold party is befitting his local stature.
• The MVA, comprising the Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena (UBT), has a strong presence in Kolhapur, and their unified support bolsters Shahu Maharaj’s candidacy apart from personal appeal
• Shahu Maharaj is a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, who are highly revered in Kolhapur for their contributions to social justice and education.
• His great-grandfather, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, is remembered for his progressive reforms, including making education mandatory and supporting various communities.