The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has announced Sunetra Pawar as its candidate for the Baramati Lok Sabha seat in the upcoming elections. This decision sets the stage for a direct contest within the Pawar family as Sunetra Pawar will be running against Supriya Sule, Ajit Pawar's estranged cousin and the daughter of Sharad Pawar.
Expressing gratitude for her candidacy, Sunetra Pawar thanked several prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar, for their support and faith in her.
The announcement was made by NCP leader Sunil Tatkare, who highlighted that the electoral battle represents a clash of ideologies rather than a mere family feud. Sunetra Pawar's candidacy follows an intensive campaign period in Baramati, where she has actively engaged with local communities and party members.
Earlier in the day, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) unveiled its first list of candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, nominating Supriya Sule as its candidate for the Baramati seat. The party also announced candidates for four other constituencies in Maharashtra.
Baramati, a stronghold of the Pawar family for over 55 years, has been represented by Sharad Pawar and subsequently by Supriya Sule. However, Sunetra Pawar's entry into the electoral fray adds a new dynamic to the contest.
As part of the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) will contest 10 seats in Maharashtra, out of the total 48 Lok Sabha constituencies. The party has strategically fielded candidates across various constituencies, aiming to secure a significant presence in the upcoming elections.
