Amey Ghole Secures Decisive Victory in BMC Polls
In a surprising turn of events, Amey Ghole clinched a significant win in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. He secured his seat from Wadala with a massive margin exceeding 11,000 votes. This victory stands out sharply against the broader performance of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Defying the Odds in Central Mumbai
Ghole emerged as one of the few successful candidates from the Shinde Sena in the Marathi heartland of Central Mumbai. He faced off against Bajrang Deshmukh, who represented a combined effort from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The contest took place in Ward No. 178, where Ghole's triumph was clear and decisive.
His political journey has seen notable shifts. For ten years, Ghole served as the treasurer of the Yuva Sena under Aaditya Thackeray's leadership. In 2023, he made a pivotal move by leaving that role to join the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena. This background adds depth to his current success.
A Front-Runner for Key Positions
With this win, Ghole is now positioned as a strong contender for any top post that might come from a power-sharing agreement between the Shinde Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the BMC. His experience and recent electoral performance make him a likely candidate for significant responsibilities.
Reflecting on his victory, Ghole expressed gratitude to the people of Wadala-Matunga. He credited his win to the diligent efforts of Shiv Sena workers and the developmental work spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In his statement, he emphasized that voters did not succumb to what he called a false narrative about the Marathi Manoos being under threat.
Contrasting Fortunes for Shinde Sena
Ghole's success contrasts sharply with the overall performance of the Shinde Sena in the BMC polls. Many former corporators who switched from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) or the Congress party faced defeats. In numerous instances, these ex-corporators fielded their wives or relatives, particularly in seats reserved for women, yet still struggled to secure wins.
The Shinde Sena's performance was notably weak in South and Central Mumbai. In these regions, the party managed to win only three to four seats. This poor showing highlights the challenges the faction faces in key urban areas, making Ghole's victory all the more significant.
Ghole's Civic Contributions and Past Record
Amey Ghole is no stranger to civic responsibilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as the chairperson of the civic health committee. This role placed him at the forefront of Mumbai's public health efforts during a critical time, showcasing his commitment to governance.
His political career includes a previous BMC poll victory in 2017, which he won by a narrow margin of fewer than 200 votes. Comparing that to his current landslide win underscores his growing influence and support base in the constituency.
The BMC elections have revealed a mixed bag of results for the Shinde Sena. While the party faced setbacks across many wards, individuals like Amey Ghole demonstrate that localized efforts and strong community connections can lead to remarkable successes. His journey from a close aide in the Yuva Sena to a winning candidate in the Shinde Sena marks a notable chapter in Mumbai's political landscape.
