Yugendra Pawar, who happens to be the son of Ajit Pawar's brother, Srinivas Pawar, made a notable visit to the campaign office of Supriya Sule, the Member of Parliament for Baramati and a key figure in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This visit stirred conversations about his potential involvement in campaigning for Sule, indicating a possible inclination towards active political engagement.
However, the NCP swiftly brushed aside Yugendra's expression of support for Sharad Pawar's faction, insinuating a sense of insecurity underlying his actions. According to NCP councillor Amol Mitkari, Yugendra's role holds little significance in the political realm, with the focus instead being on the substantial contributions made by Ajit Dada. Mitkari emphasized that the entry of individuals like Yugendra could potentially unsettle other young members within the faction.
Yugendra, although not formally engaged in political activities, holds positions of responsibility outside the political spectrum. Serving as the treasurer of Vidya Pratishthan Sanstha, a charitable trust, and overseeing the Baramati Wrestlers' Association, he maintains an active presence in community endeavors.
It's worth noting that Ajit Pawar's departure with a significant portion of NCP MLAs last July, which facilitated his support for the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has left lasting reverberations within the political landscape of Maharashtra.
Moreover, recent developments suggest a potential shift in alliances, with claims from NCP councillor Amol Mitkari indicating that several MLAs from both the Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP faction are contemplating joining Ajit Pawar's breakaway NCP faction. Mitkari asserted that the defections stem from disillusionment with the Congress's ground-level performance.
Addressing speculations surrounding Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra, potentially contesting against Supriya Sule in the Baramati constituency, Mitkari indicated that decisions would align with Ajit Pawar's directives. He highlighted the ground-level efforts spearheaded by Sunetra as a potential rationale for her candidacy.
Furthermore, discussions revolving around seat-sharing with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections underscore the evolving dynamics within the political arena, with Mitkari advocating for a more substantial share of 10 seats, highlighting the ongoing negotiations and shifting allegiances within the state's political spectrum.
