Pawar vs Pawar: Which way will Baramati go?

In Baramati, the question of ‘Sharad Pawar or Ajit Pawar’ lingers in the air, met with few direct responses but rather with knowing smiles exchanged among the people. The constituency, barring a few occasions, has been a stronghold for Pawars since 1985, akin to Amethi or Rae Bareli’s association with the Gandhis.Â

Until recently, the choice for Baramati voters was straightforward: it was either a candidate from the Pawar family or someone backed by them. However, the upcoming election presents a new dynamic, with voters having to choose between senior statesman Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar, both having wielded considerable influence over the administration of the constituency and Pune district.

This contest has drawn the attention of the BJP, which has long sought to challenge Sharad Pawar’s legacy in Baramati. Despite attempts in 2014 and 2019, the BJP fell short, with Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, securing victories.Â

In 2014, Mahadev Jankar, the leader of the Rashtriya Samaj Party supported by BJP, challenged Supriya Sule. Banking on the Modi wave and caste equation, Jankar gave a tough fight to Sule but still lost by a margin of 67,000 votes. Notably, this was the lowest margin of victories Pawars ever had in Baramati.Â

Supriya Sule’s victory was more comfortable in 2019, the same year when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lost party bastion Amethi to Smriti Irani.

Recognising the need for a change in strategy, the BJP seized an opportunity in the internal differences between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.Â

Ajit’s defection to the NDA in July 2023 and subsequent acquisition of the NCP’s name and symbol from his uncle set the stage for a familial faceoff. By fielding Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra from Baramati, the BJP aims to ensure a genuine contest, unlike the previous elections, where victory seemed elusive.

While Ajit Pawar and the BJP attempt to frame the contest as Narendra Modi versus Rahul Gandhi rather than Pawar versus Pawar, the emotional appeal of Sharad Pawar remains significant. Despite fielding his wife as a candidate, Ajit Pawar insists that he is the true contender in this election.Â

However, this election has brought to light the internal divisions within the Pawar family, with Ajit Pawar’s brother and nephews backing Supriya Sule and also campaigning for her. The Pawars, who have been the most close-knit political family in Maharashtra, are now witnessing their family out in open during election campaign in Baramati.Â

Beyond the familial feud, the battle for Baramati’s Lok Sabha seat reflects shifting demographics and political landscapes. The constituency, once predominantly rural, has evolved with the expansion of Pune city and now includes a significant urban belt.Â

After delimitation in 2009, Baramati has urban belt areas like Khadakwasala assembly constituency, which has over five lakh voters and is considered a stronghold of the BJP since 2014. The BJP also won the Daund seat.

Besides Khadakwasala and Daund, Baramati has four more assembly constituencies, including Bhor and Purander, which were won by the Congress in 2019. But these seats also have a good presence of Shiv Sena.Â

In 2019, Indapur and Baramati assembly seats were won by the NCP and both are now with Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction.

While Ajit Pawar may hold an edge on paper, Sharad Pawar’s emotional connection with voters, particularly in the Baramati Assembly constituency, could sway the outcome.Â

Despite the BJP’s concerted efforts in the region against Ajit Pawar, against whom it previously ran anti-corruption campaigns, poses a challenge.

The BJP had been struggling to make its place in Baramati and while doing that, its cadre had to face Ajit Pawar and his might on the ground when NCP was united. The leaders who quit Congress and joined the BJP because of Ajit Pawar’s power politics were also disturbed due to his entry into NDA. So the BJP high command is taking every precaution for reconciliation with them.Â

Ajit Pawar is also meeting all his former rivals to soften their stand against him.Â

“Daily report is being taken by the party about how they are campaigning for Sunetra Pawar. Party high command wants to ensure that there are no loose ends from their side,” said a former Congress leader who joined the BJP in 2019.

As the battle between the Pawars unfolds, its outcome will not only determine the leadership of Baramati but also shape the future trajectory of Maharashtra politics. With stakes high and tensions palpable, the contest transcends familial ties to encompass broader political implications for the state.

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