Bad roads, water scarcity and poor infrastructure may be the core issues in Aurangabad constituency, but the election here is about which community will represent it in Parliament. Over three decades back, a slogan was coined in the region, "Khan Ya Baan" (Leadership from the Muslim community or Shiv Sena? The bow – baan – and arrow being the party's symbols). Even today, the slogan hasn't lost its sheen.

These lines are still used in campaigns by political workers, but in small meetings and not openly through banners or public rallies. Despite a large minority population, the Sena has a strong presence in the region. In fact, Shiv Sena's Chandrakant Khaire has been elected for four consecutive terms as member of Parliament from this seat. Khaire is seeking reelection for the fifth term. Though the veteran Sena leader is confident about his victory, it will not be a cakewalk for him say political experts from the region. In 2014, Khaire had bagged 5,20,901 votes, while the Congress candidate got 3,58,902 votes. The Sena MP had won the election with a margin of 1,61,999 votes.