Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: Ajit Pawar, the seasoned leader of the NCP faction aligned with the BJP-Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) coalition, has taken a significant lead in the Baramati Assembly constituency over his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, representing the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. As of 10:41 am, Ajit Pawar led by over 11,000 votes.
Family Feud In Pawar Stronghold
Baramati, long considered the bastion of the Pawar family, is at the center of a high-stakes battle for political dominance. The contest holds immense importance for 65-year-old Ajit Pawar, especially after his wife Sunetra Pawar lost to Supriya Sule, his cousin, in the Baramati Lok Sabha seat earlier this year.
This Assembly election is a litmus test for both NCP factions. While the Ajit Pawar camp struggles to recover from its dismal performance in the Lok Sabha polls—winning just one out of four seats—the Sharad Pawar-led faction seeks to consolidate its stronghold, buoyed by its earlier success in eight out of ten constituencies.
Ajit Pawar’s Redemption Bid
Ajit Pawar expressed regret over fielding his wife against Supriya Sule but remains confident about his own prospects.
“It was my mistake to field her against Supriya Sule. I have admitted this before. Now, it is up to the voters to decide who should lead Maharashtra for the next five years,” he told NDTV.
Despite setbacks, the Mahayuti alliance, of which Ajit Pawar’s faction is a part, has gained momentum with welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, contributing to a tighter contest this time.
Yugendra Pawar’s Emotional Campaign
Yugendra Pawar, 32, making his political debut, has framed his candidacy as a generational shift. Standing firmly by Sharad Pawar, the NCP patriarch, Yugendra described his decision to contest against his uncle as a difficult but necessary one.
“It is unfortunate to run against Ajit dada, but we stand with Pawar sahab (Sharad Pawar), the founder of the NCP. His vision has brought prosperity to Baramati and beyond,” Yugendra said.
Sharad Pawar’s Call For Change
Sharad Pawar, 83, campaigned vigorously for his grandnephew, advocating for a new generation of leadership.
“In 1967, you made me MLA. Then Ajit dada served for over two decades. Now, it’s time to pass the baton to Yugendra Pawar. The next generation is ready to take charge,” Sharad Pawar told voters in Baramati.
The Stakes Are High
This election in Baramati is not just a family feud; it is a battle for political relevance for both NCP factions. The results could redefine the power dynamics within the Pawar family and the broader political landscape of Maharashtra.
