The Maharashtra Assembly Election results for 2024 have brought the focus back on the deeply entrenched family feud within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Sharad Pawar, the 84-year-old stalwart and founder of the NCP, faces a direct challenge from his nephew, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in the prized Baramati constituency. This battle has transcended politics to become a test of personal and familial prestige, symbolising the growing rift within one of Maharashtra’s most influential political dynasties.
Family Feud in Spotlight
The rivalry between the two factions of the NCP has simmered since Ajit Pawar’s defection in July 2023. Ajit, along with his loyalists, joined the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, securing the Deputy Chief Minister’s post. His rebellion fractured the party, leaving Sharad Pawar to regroup and reassert his authority. The 2024 Assembly elections are the latest chapter in this power struggle, with Baramati emerging as the ultimate battleground.
This contest follows a heated Lok Sabha election earlier in the year. Sharad Pawar’s faction secured an overwhelming victory, winning eight out of ten seats, while Ajit Pawar’s camp managed just one. The outcome cemented Sharad Pawar’s dominance, but Ajit has sought redemption through this Assembly poll.
Baramati Assembly Seat: Latest Trends
In the Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar is pitted against Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew, Yugendra Pawar, who represents the senior Pawar’s camp. As of 11 am, vote-counting trends suggest a potential turnaround for Ajit Pawar, who is leading by over 7,000 votes. This lead reflects a possible recovery for Ajit after his faction’s Lok Sabha setback. Yugendra Pawar, however, remains a formidable challenger, having secured 10,828 votes in the second round of counting.
Baramati holds immense symbolic value for the Pawar family. Historically represented by Sharad Pawar himself and later by his daughter Supriya Sule, the constituency has been a stronghold of the Pawar legacy. A victory for Ajit Pawar here would signal his ability to hold onto this legacy despite his estrangement from the senior Pawar.
Lok Sabha Legacy and Impact
The Baramati Lok Sabha constituency has long been a bastion for Sharad Pawar. Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra, suffered a defeat in the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year against Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter. This loss reinforced the senior Pawar’s grip over Baramati and his enduring influence over Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Ajit Pawar’s decision to align with the BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction came at a high cost to his political standing. His gamble now hinges on the results of today’s election. A win in Baramati could revitalise his position and validate his rebellion, while a loss would affirm Sharad Pawar’s continued dominance.
Broader Political Implications
The battle in Baramati is not just a family matter but a microcosm of Maharashtra’s political dynamics. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, of which Ajit Pawar is a part, has made significant gains in the state. As of now, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is leading in 216 of the 288 Assembly seats, signalling a decisive mandate in Maharashtra.
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However, the outcome in Baramati will have ramifications beyond the numbers. If Sharad Pawar’s candidate emerges victorious, it would be seen as a personal setback for Ajit Pawar and a rejection of his decision to join the Mahayuti alliance. On the other hand, an Ajit Pawar win would mark a shift in loyalty among Baramati’s electorate and could reshape the NCP’s internal dynamics.
The Larger Pawar Family Picture
Another significant figure in the Pawar family, Rohit Pawar, contests from the Karjat-Jamkhed constituency. A sitting MLA from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) faction, he faces BJP’s Ram Shinde, a former state minister. Rohit Pawar’s performance will also be closely watched as an indicator of the senior Pawar faction’s strength in other parts of Maharashtra.
What Lies Ahead
As the final results loom, the Baramati contest remains too close to call. The prestige battle between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar has turned into a defining moment for the NCP and Maharashtra’s political future. Whether the electorate sides with the established legacy of Sharad Pawar or opts for Ajit Pawar’s breakaway faction will set the tone for the next phase of politics in the state.
While the Mahayuti alliance enjoys a strong performance across Maharashtra, the stakes in Baramati extend beyond party politics. The seat encapsulates a broader story of loyalty, rebellion, and the ever-evolving dynamics of Indian democracy.
