Maharashtra Politics: Sharad Pawar Revamps Strategy in Baramati, Prepares for Assembly Election Duel
Pune, 18th June 2024: NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar has returned to Baramati for a three-day visit, intensifying efforts to secure victory in the upcoming assembly elections and challenge his nephew, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Addressing farmers on Tuesday, Pawar emphasized his renewed focus on Baramati, stating, “I had delegated this responsibility to others in the past. From now on, I will spend more time here. We are moving forward with those who support us and not dwelling on those who don’t.” This statement underscores his determination to consolidate support ahead of the elections.
Ajit Pawar, who has historically managed Baramati’s affairs while Sharad Pawar focused on broader political responsibilities, recently contested against Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule, in the Lok Sabha elections, highlighting internal family divisions within the NCP.
“After securing Supriya’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections, Sharad Pawar is now focused on reclaiming the Baramati assembly seat from Ajit Pawar,” noted a close aide.
Observers note a strategic shift as Sharad Pawar engages at the grassroots level in Baramati, historically Ajit Pawar’s stronghold. “Despite Ajit Pawar’s existing network, Sharad Pawar is building a parallel support base,” observed another associate.
In upcoming elections, there is speculation that Sharad Pawar may field his grandnephew, Yugendra Pawar, as a formidable candidate against Ajit Pawar, mirroring Ajit’s challenge to Supriya Sule.
“By contesting within the family, Sharad Pawar aims to disrupt Ajit Pawar’s political stronghold,” the associate added, signaling a significant intra-party contest in Maharashtra politics.
