Ahmednagar, May 4: Akshay Shivajirao Kardile, the candidate from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), achieved a significant victory in the Rahuri Assembly by-election on Monday.
The results confirmed that Kardile successfully retained the seat previously held by his late father, Shivaji Kardile.
According to official figures from the Election Commission of India (ECI), Akshay Kardile maintained a lead from the early stages of the counting process. He received 140,093 votes, while his closest rival, Govind Mokate from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), garnered only 27,506 votes.
This substantial margin of over 112,000 votes highlights the BJP’s stronghold in the region, surpassing the 34,487 votes his father secured in the 2024 general elections.
The by-election for the Rahuri seat was necessitated by the sudden passing of senior BJP leader Shivaji Bhanudas Kardile in October 2025. The BJP nominated his son, Akshay Kardile, while the opposition fielded Govind Mokate from the NCP-SP alliance, who failed to make a significant impact.
Voter turnout on April 23 was recorded at 54.80%, lower than the 74.97% in 2024, yet the results indicate a clear and overwhelming support for the BJP.
Meanwhile, former minister and NCP-SP leader Prajakta Tanpure withdrew from the election. She had a conversation with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who assured her of government assistance for the development projects she proposed in the Rahuri constituency.
Tanpure stated that she would make further decisions after discussions with her supporters.
This victory is seen as a significant boost for the Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra. Additionally, in the Baramati by-election, Sunetra Pawar is also maintaining a lead.
Political analysts suggest that the outcome of the Rahuri by-election serves as a test of the BJP’s influence in rural areas.
For Akshay Kardile, this win marks a strong and formal entry into state politics, ensuring the Kardile family’s influence in Ahmednagar continues.
–
Leave a Comment