Former Maharashtra deputy chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal, Shiv Sena candidate and sitting legislator Kalyanrao Patil and Independent Mohan Gunjal are among seven candidates contesting the October 13 assembly election from Yeola district of Nasik.
Known for its Paithani sari but drought-prone for many years, the Sena wrested the Yeola seat from Congress in 1990.
In 1985, Congress (S) candidate Marutirao Pawar had defeated Congress (I) candidate Nivrutti Lahare.
He again won the seat on a Congress ticket in 1990 by defeating Janata Dal candidate Mohan Gunjal.
Two-time winner Patil's margin of 17,475 votes in 1995, when he defeated Congress candidate Ambadas Bankar, came down to just 221 votes in 1999 against Narendra Darade of the Congress.
Drinking water scarcity and handloom workers' problems could play a major role in the poll outcome.
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