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The upcoming election in Maharashtra's Baramati, a stronghold of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), promises a dramatic family battle within the party. Ajit Pawar, a prominent figure in the NCP and a key player in recent political upheavals, will face off against his own nephew, Yugendra Pawar, the son of Ajit Pawar's brother Shrinivas Pawar.
This election presents a unique opportunity for Ajit Pawar's faction to salvage its image following the setbacks of the Lok Sabha election earlier this year. The NCP's performance was dismal, failing to secure more than one out of four contested seats. Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, suffered a crushing defeat in the Baramati constituency at the hands of her cousin, Supriya Sule, the daughter of Sharad Pawar.
Ajit Pawar, reflecting on the Lok Sabha election, expressed remorse for fielding his wife against his cousin, suggesting a potential reconciliation. He lamented the intrusion of politics into family affairs, stating, "I love all my sisters. One shouldn't allow politics to enter homes. I made a mistake in fielding Sunetra against my sister. This shouldn't have happened."
However, the latest developments have revealed a continued family rift, with Ajit Pawar now facing his nephew in the Baramati constituency. Yugendra Pawar, a graduate of Boston's Northeastern University, has been groomed for a political career under the guidance of Sharad Pawar, indicating his allegiance to the latter's faction.
Ajit Pawar, who has represented Baramati since 1991, had initially expressed disinterest in contesting elections again. He had even hinted at his son, Jay Pawar, potentially entering the race. However, his name appeared on the NCP's initial candidate list, making his participation in the election a reality.
The recent political turmoil within the NCP, fueled by Ajit Pawar's breakaway faction in July 2022, has further exacerbated the internal divisions within the party. Ajit Pawar, citing dissatisfaction with Sharad Pawar's leadership, joined forces with the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Eknath Shinde.
This upcoming election in Baramati is more than just a contest for a political seat; it's a direct confrontation between two prominent factions within the NCP, and, more importantly, between two prominent members of the Pawar family. It is a battle for control within the party and a reflection of the deeply rooted tensions within the family.
Source: Sharad Pawar's Grandnephew To Contest Against Ajit Pawar In Baramati