Sharad Pawar, a seasoned political figure, has extended an invitation to the state leadership, including his nephew Ajit Pawar, for a dinner gathering at his residence in Baramati in March to mark the inauguration of various developmental projects.
This invitation is extended against the backdrop of emerging reports suggesting that Ajit Pawar, known for orchestrating the division within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), might nominate his wife to contest from Baramati in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, potentially challenging the candidacy of Sharad Pawar's daughter and incumbent MP, Supriya Sule.
In a letter directed to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with his deputies Devendra Fadanavis and Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar expressed his delight regarding the Chief Minister's inaugural visit to Baramati to attend the Namo Maharojgar Event. He cordially extended an invitation for a post-event meal at his residence, accompanied by other members of the Cabinet.
Notably, Sharad Pawar himself is not among the invitees to the Maharozgar Mela event scheduled for March 2 in Baramati.
Furthermore, the veteran leader has also invited the Chief Minister and his deputies for dinner at his residence located in Govind Bagh.
This dinner invitation coincides with the escalating efforts of Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar's spouse, who has been actively engaging with the electorate in Baramati, amid speculations suggesting her potential candidacy against Supriya Sule.
The Baramati Lok Sabha constituency has long been regarded as the stronghold of Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, maintaining their electoral dominance since 1996. While Sharad Pawar has secured victory in four elections, Supriya Sule has been elected to the Lok Sabha thrice.
In a significant turn of events in July 2023, Ajit Pawar parted ways with his uncle Sharad Pawar and aligned with the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena coalition in Maharashtra, resulting in a schism within the NCP.
Recently, the Election Commission adjudged the faction led by Ajit Pawar as the authentic representation of the Nationalist Congress Party, granting his faction the party name and symbol, while the group led by Sharad Pawar now operates under the moniker 'NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar'.
