Baramati, a constituency steeped in the legacy of the Pawar family’s political dominance, finds itself at a crossroads as the impending Lok Sabha elections draw near. The traditional stronghold of the Pawars, the constituency has witnessed a seismic shift in its political landscape, marked by internal familial strife and external alliances.
For over five decades, Baramati has been synonymous with the Pawar dynasty, with Sharad Pawar’s tenure representing the Lok Sabha constituency until 2009, followed by his daughter Supriya Sule’s ascension to power. However, the familial harmony has been disrupted with the emergence of a new contender – Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar’s nephew and erstwhile ally.
Ajit’s decision to field his wife, Sunetra Pawar, in the upcoming elections has fractured the once-unified Pawar camp. This familial feud has transformed the electoral battleground, with the contest now perceived as a showdown between Supriya and Sunetra.
The stakes are high, extending beyond individual ambitions to encompass control over the political organization itself. Ajit’s rebellion in July 2023, which saw him wresting control and the party symbol away from the established faction, has escalated tensions within the family and the party.
As Baramati residents grapple with conflicting loyalties, the underlying conflict between Sharad Pawar and his nephew looms large. The decision to support either Supriya or Sunetra is laden with familial ties and political implications, leaving voters in a quandary.
“Sharad Pawar is like a father to us, and Ajitdada is a brother. Choosing between them is a daunting task,” remarks Srihari Deshmukh, reflecting the sentiments of many residents.
Sharad Pawar, recognizing the formidable challenge posed by the familial rift, has embarked on a vigorous campaign to ensure Supriya’s victory. Despite the seat’s historical allegiance to the Pawar family, the senior politician is leaving no stone unturned, personally engaging with workers and constituents to secure a fourth consecutive victory for his daughter.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar is determined to consolidate his faction’s grip on power, viewing victory in Baramati as pivotal to his political aspirations. Aligning with the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition, Ajit seeks to thwart Sharad Pawar’s influence and assert his dominance within the NCP ranks.
The BJP, historically unsuccessful in challenging the Pawars’ dominance, sees an opportunity in Ajit’s rebellion. With his support, the party aims to make significant inroads in Baramati, signaling a new chapter in the constituency’s political narrative.
As Baramati braces for a fiercely contested election, the outcome will not only determine the constituency’s representative but also shape the trajectory of political power dynamics within the Pawar family and the broader political landscape.
