Maharashtra's Baramati constituency may witness an internal tussle within the Pawar family during the forthcoming Lok Sabha election, as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar hinted at putting forth a candidate against his cousin and sitting MP Supriya Sule, ANI reported.
This development arises amidst speculations suggesting that Ajit Pawar might nominate his wife Sunetra Pawar as a contender from Baramati, potentially challenging Sule, who is the daughter of veteran leader Sharad Pawar.
For over five decades, the Baramati seat has remained firmly in the grasp of the Pawar family and Supriya Sule. Sule has consecutively represented the constituency for three terms since 2009.
Sharad Pawar's dominance in the region dates back several decades, having secured victories in Maharashtra Assembly elections from Baramati in various years between 1967 and 1990. Additionally, he clinched Lok Sabha seats from the same constituency in multiple elections between 1984 and 2004.
However, the political landscape in 2024 presents a different scenario, with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) witnessing a factional split following Ajit Pawar and a faction of MLAs aligning with the Eknath Shinde-led BJP government.
In response to these developments, the Deputy Chief Minister indicated that he would consider contesting the Assembly elections from Baramati only if his candidate emerges victorious against Sule in the Lok Sabha polls.
Pawar asserted his intention to nominate a candidate with no prior electoral history, emphasizing the historical significance of Baramati consistently witnessing opposition candidates forfeiting their deposits in elections. He urged voters to prioritize developmental initiatives over emotional appeals in their electoral decisions.
In a veiled criticism directed at Sule, Ajit Pawar suggested that those who actively engage in political endeavors are inevitably subject to allegations, contrasting them with individuals who maintain a clean record by abstaining from meaningful contributions.
Responding to Ajit Pawar's stance, Sule affirmed the democratic ethos, acknowledging the right of every individual to participate in electoral processes.
Earlier this week, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar endorsed the Ajit Pawar-led faction as the authentic representation of the NCP. Additionally, the Election Commission allocated the party name and the 'clock' symbol to the faction led by Ajit Pawar.
