Pune: Ajit Pawar and Yugendra Pawar to Face Off in Baramati, ‘Uncle vs. Nephew’ Contest

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 14th August 2024: In the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections, the Baramati constituency is set to witness a surprising “Uncle vs. Nephew” battle, but not between the duo people expected. After the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) split last year, many anticipated a showdown between Sharad Pawar and his nephew, Ajit Pawar, for the Baramati seat. However, as revealed yesterday by Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar, the contest will instead be between Ajit Pawar and his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, in Baramati.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is currently leading the Jansanman Yatra across the state, which will reach Pimpri Chinchwad on 16th August. Ahead of this, youth leader Parth Pawar visited the city, accompanied by Pimpri MLA Anna Bansode, former Mayor Yogesh Bahar, and others, to review preparations. During an informal meeting with journalists in Pimpri Chinchwad, Parth disclosed the electoral scenario.

“Sharad Pawar has decided that Yugendra will contest from Baramati. Whether Yugendra should run or not is his decision. His choice will not affect anything,” Parth stated.

NCP’s Bid for BJP’s Seat

Parth Pawar also declared that the Mahayuti coalition, including the BJP, NCP, and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, will contest the Pimpri constituency in the upcoming elections. He expressed the NCP’s desire to contest the Chinchwad Assembly seat, which has been held by BJP MLAs for the last three elections. Despite an unwritten rule in the Mahayuti alliance that allows a party with an incumbent MLA to retain the seat, Parth Pawar has challenged this arrangement, arguing that Pimpri Chinchwad is an NCP stronghold deserving of a Legislative Council post.

“I Don’t Want To Be An MLA Or MP”

Parth Pawar, who contested and lost the Maval Lok Sabha seat in 2019, has shifted his focus back to the area following the NCP’s split. When asked if he would contest upcoming elections, he replied, “I don’t want to be an MLA or MP right now. My focus is on strengthening the party.”

“Barne’s Win Due to NCP Support”

Regarding the 2019 Maval Lok Sabha election, Parth Pawar addressed rumors that the NCP did not follow the Mahayuti Alliance’s principles. He stated, “Shrirang Barne won due to the efforts of NCP activists, despite facing significant discontent among constituents. This was clear from the election results.”