The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra were more than just a contest for parliamentary seats; they marked a significant chapter in the ongoing political saga between the two factions of the Pawar family. The electoral battle in Baramati, a stronghold of the Pawar clan, became the epicenter of this drama, pitting Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule, against Sunetra Pawar, the wife of his estranged nephew, Ajit Pawar.
The Battle for Baramati
Baramati, a constituency that has been synonymous with Sharad Pawar’s political legacy, witnessed a high-stakes contest in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. For Sharad Pawar, this was not just an election; it was a battle to reaffirm his influence in Maharashtra’s politics, especially after his party’s split led by his nephew Ajit Pawar. Despite the challenge from within his family, Sharad Pawar’s political acumen once again proved formidable. Supriya Sule secured a decisive victory with 51.85% of the vote share, leaving Sunetra Pawar far behind with 40.64%. This victory was more than just a win for Sharad Pawar—it was a resounding statement of his enduring relevance and influence in Maharashtra politics.
The broader outcome in Maharashtra further solidified Sharad Pawar’s standing. His Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) secured eight Lok Sabha seats, marking its best-ever performance in the state. This was in stark contrast to Ajit Pawar’s faction, which could only secure one seat, despite being aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Ajit Pawar’s Regret
In a rare moment of public reflection, Ajit Pawar expressed regret over the political rivalry that played out in his home turf. Speaking to Jai Maharashtra, a Marathi news channel, Ajit Pawar admitted that fielding Sunetra Pawar against Supriya Sule was a mistake. “I love all my sisters. One shouldn’t allow politics to enter homes,” he said, acknowledging that the decision to contest against his cousin was driven by political calculations that, in hindsight, he now views as erroneous.
Ajit Pawar’s position within the NCP and the broader political landscape of Maharashtra has been increasingly precarious. Despite his alliance with the BJP, his faction has struggled to secure significant influence, as evidenced by their poor showing in the Lok Sabha elections. Furthermore, Ajit Pawar’s decision to reject a ministerial post for his ally Praful Patel has left the NCP without representation in the Modi government, further isolating him within the ruling coalition.
The RSS Critique
Adding to Ajit Pawar’s woes, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has openly criticized the BJP’s alliance with him. An article in “Organiser,” a publication linked to the RSS, questioned the BJP’s decision to bring Ajit Pawar into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The article suggested that the move diluted the BJP’s brand and was an unnecessary political maneuver, especially since the BJP-Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) alliance already had a comfortable majority in Maharashtra. The critique highlights the growing discomfort within the RSS over the alliance, which they believe has weakened the BJP’s ideological stance in the state.
The Road Ahead
As Maharashtra prepares for the upcoming assembly elections, Ajit Pawar faces an uncertain political future. His electoral strategy and alliances are under intense scrutiny, both from within his party and from the broader political spectrum. The once aggressive stance against his uncle Sharad Pawar has noticeably softened, as Ajit Pawar grapples with the reality of his current political standing. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar has made it clear that any reconciliation with his nephew would require the consensus of those who stood by him during the split.
The political landscape in Maharashtra remains fluid, and the outcome of the assembly elections could further redefine the Pawar family’s legacy. For now, the “Pawar vs. Pawar” saga continues to captivate the state’s political discourse, with each twist and turn watched closely by allies and adversaries alike.