Ajit Pawar Signals Shift in Baramati Political Landscape Ahead of Elections

In a surprising announcement ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed his disinterest in contesting from the Baramati constituency, a seat he has held multiple times. He suggested that if there is a demand from local supporters, his younger son, Jay Pawar, could be a potential candidate. This development raises the prospect of a Pawar family rivalry, as local reports indicate that Ajit Pawar's nephew, Yugendra Pawar, may also be in the running, representing a new generation of the influential Pawar political dynasty. The Baramati constituency has been a stronghold for the Pawar family, but recent electoral dynamics have introduced complexities. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra, contested against his cousin Supriya Sule but was unsuccessful. Despite the loss, Sunetra was later nominated to the Rajya Sabha, indicating the family's continued political engagement. Additionally, Ajit Pawar's elder son, Parth, faced defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the neighboring Maval constituency. When questioned about Jay's potential candidacy, Ajit Pawar stated, "I have contested from Baramati seven to eight times. If the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) workers demand Jay should contest, the proposal will be taken to the parliamentary board." This statement underscores the evolving political scenario in Baramati, particularly following Ajit Pawar's split from his uncle, Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The upcoming elections are set to be a pivotal moment for the Pawar family's political legacy.