Pune: Baramati Set for Intense Electoral Battle: Ajit Pawar’s Wife vs. Sharad Pawar’s Daughter

Baramati, 22nd February 2024: The recent resolution of the internal dispute within the NCP marks the end of one battle, but a new contest for prestige is emerging, particularly in the Baramati seat, the hometown of both Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar. Ajit Pawar, an MLA from Baramati, had earlier announced that the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance) would contest the four seats the party secured in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, turning Baramati into a focal point of contention.

The stakes are high as Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule, currently represents Baramati in Parliament, while Ajit Pawar contemplates fielding his wife, Sunetra Pawar, as a candidate against her. Sunetra Pawar, despite lacking experience in major elections, has been actively involved in social initiatives for Baramati, heading the Environmental Forum of India, founded in 2010, and contributing to eco-village concepts in India. She holds key positions in educational institutions and organizations and chairs the Baramati Hi Tech Textile Park.

In contrast, Supriya Sule has been the MP for Baramati since 2009, succeeding Sharad Pawar. The upcoming election will mark her first battle for Baramati post the party split. If Sunetra Pawar enters the race, voters in Baramati will have to choose between ‘Tai’ (Sule) and ‘Vahini’ (Pawar).

Ajit Pawar’s faction is actively campaigning in Baramati, utilizing trucks with images of Sunetra Pawar and Ajit Pawar, along with an online campaign in her support. While Sule emphasizes the democratic nature of elections, the situation raises questions about whether her track record and local connections will secure votes against Sunetra Pawar’s candidacy.

Baramati comprises six segments of state assembly constituencies, with a mix of political affiliations. The number game suggests challenges for Sule, considering the current distribution of constituencies between ‘Mahayuti’ and ‘Maha Vikas Aghadi.’ Sule’s developmental work and connection with the people may play a role, but the entry of Sunetra Pawar adds complexity to the electoral landscape. The slight edge given to Ajit Pawar’s NCP by the Election Commission in retaining the party name and symbol further intensifies the competition.