The political landscape of Baramati finds itself gripped in a tense standoff following recent polling that witnessed a turnout lower than the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle between stalwarts. The clash of titans pits three-term MP Supriya Sule of the NCP (SP) against Sunetra Pawar, the NCP candidate and spouse of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in a high-stakes electoral duel.
Despite fervent canvassing efforts, Baramati’s electoral turnout clocked in at 56.07%, a decline from the 61.7% recorded in 2019 and the 58.83% figure from 2014, as per data furnished by the Election Commission of India. As the clock struck 5 pm, voter participation stood at 45.68%, with a notable surge witnessed in the eleventh hour. Though these statistics remain subject to potential revisions, the overarching trajectory appears unlikely to undergo substantial alteration.
In this closely monitored contest, the NCP strategically banks on securing pivotal leads from assembly segments such as Khadakwasla, Indapur, and Purandar, while bracing for a potential vote split within the Baramati assembly constituency, delineated along generational fault lines. Conversely, Supriya Sule’s faction anticipates a formidable show of support from Bhor and Daund assembly segments.
Among the assembly constituencies, Khadakwasla notched up a 50% turnout, whereas Baramati—famed as the bastion of the Pawar dynasty—witnessed a robust 64.50% participation. Indapur, where polling hours extended till 8:30 pm owing to serpentine queues, recorded a commendable 62.50% turnout.
Delving into the electoral dynamics, Parth Pawar, scion of the Pawar lineage and a prominent NCP figure, exuded confidence in clinching a decisive victory margin, citing unwavering support from party cadres and coalition allies.
However, fissures within the Pawar family and the NCP emerged into the spotlight during the electoral skirmish, with discernible undercurrents of sympathy observed towards veteran leader Sharad Pawar in certain quarters. Lingering echoes of Ajit Pawar’s past rebellion continue to reverberate, accentuating the fissures within the electorate.
While the polling process unfolded with relative tranquility, it was not immune to controversies. The NCP (SP) lodged a slew of complaints encompassing alleged breaches of the code of conduct, instances of coercion, and purported instances of monetary inducements. Confirming the influx of 26 complaints within a 24-hour window, Returning Officer Kavita Dwivedi pledged a thorough probe and subsequent remedial action.
Amidst the cacophony of allegations, both camps remain resolute in their electoral prospects. Accusations of unethical stratagems levied by the opposition, in anticipation of impending defeat, were promptly rebuffed by Ajit Pawar, who vehemently advocated for an impartial inquiry by the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies to unravel the veracity of the claims.
