India, Nov. 16 -- Bullock cart races have been an integral part of Maharashtra's rural culture for decades, celebrating farming traditions, animal strength and village camaraderie. But with local body elections approaching, these traditional events are increasingly turning into high-stakes political platforms.

The shift was evident at a recent race in Sangli.

On November 9, the Shrinath Kesari Bullock Cart Race-organised by Shiv Sena leader and two-time Maharashtra Kesari winner Chandrahar Patil-was held at Borgaon in Kavathe Mahankal during the Yallama Devi Yatra. The scale of the prizes stunned many. Patil distributed two Fortuner cars, two Thar SUVs, tractors, motorcycles and over 150 vehicles in total. More than 1,200 entries were r...