As the countdown to the Lok Sabha elections draws nearer, the spotlight once again illuminates Maharashtra's Baramati, the political stronghold synonymous with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar. This attention surged following the declaration by Shiv Sena leader Vijay Shivtare of his candidacy for the constituency, a move that has yet to be officially endorsed by his party.
In asserting his candidacy, Shivtare emphasized that Baramati is not the exclusive domain of any individual, underlining his commitment to serving the national interest, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Expressing confidence in his electoral prospects despite the formidable legacy of the Pawar family, Shivtare proclaimed his determination to secure victory, citing an apparent groundswell of support among the electorate.
However, Shamburaj Desai, a spokesperson for the Shiv Sena and Maharashtra cabinet minister, clarified that the party has not formally announced a candidate for the seat, adding to the intrigue surrounding the impending seat-sharing arrangement within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra.
In response to Shivtare's assertion, Suraj Chavan, representing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, recalled Ajit Pawar's victory over Shivtare in the 2019 assembly elections, highlighting their prior electoral contest.
Since 1996, the Baramati Lok Sabha seat has served as an impregnable fortress for Sharad Pawar and his daughter, Supriya Sule, both securing multiple electoral victories. Nevertheless, the political landscape of Baramati has evolved to include representatives from various parties, including the BJP, Congress, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
As the electoral fervor intensifies, the impact of Shivtare's candidacy on the voters remains uncertain, with the dynamics of alliances and local sentiments poised to shape the electoral outcome.
