Who will emerge victorious in Raigad - Ajit Pawar's ally Sunil Tatkare or former Union Minister Anant Geete, seeking a comeback after his defeat in 2019?

Lok Sabha polls: Raigad Lok Sabha constituency comprises of six Assembly segments across two districts-- Pen, Alibag, Shrivardhan, Mahad, Dapoli and Guhagar.

The Raigad Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra is gearing up for a closely contested election between Sunil Tatkare, the current NCP MP aligned with Ajit Pawar, and Anant Geete, a former Union Minister representing Shiv Sena (UBT). In 2019, Tatkare won against Geete by a margin of over 31,000 votes, marking a significant shift in the constituency's political landscape. Geete, who had previously won the seat twice in 2009 and 2014, faces a tough challenge from Tatkare, who has been actively supported by Ajit Pawar's faction of the NCP.

The constituency's demographics reflect a predominantly Hindu population, with a significant Muslim minority and other religious groups making up the rest. Rural areas constitute a substantial portion of Raigad, emphasizing the importance of rural development issues in the electoral discourse. Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) also form a significant part of the population, highlighting the need for inclusive policies.

Raigad's assembly segments span across Pen, Alibag, Shrivardhan, Mahad, Dapoli, and Guhagar, representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds and concerns. The upcoming election on May 7, part of the third phase of Lok Sabha polls in 2024, is crucial not only for Raigad but also for the broader political dynamics in Maharashtra.