The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has officially unveiled its first list of candidates for the highly anticipated Maharashtra Assembly elections, which are set to take place soon. This announcement reflects the party's strategic planning and confidence in retaining key constituencies as it prepares for a competitive political landscape. In total, the NCP has nominated 38 candidates, with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar prominently featured as he seeks to secure his position in the Baramati constituency, a region that has been a longstanding bastion of the Pawar family’s political influence.
Baramati, located in the Pune district, has been under Ajit Pawar's representation since 1993, showcasing his deep-rooted connection to the area. His electoral prowess was evident in the 2019 Assembly elections, where he achieved a remarkable victory, defeating his nearest rival from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by an overwhelming margin of over 165,000 votes. This impressive track record positions him as a formidable candidate as he seeks to maintain his grip on the constituency. However, the upcoming polls could present a fascinating contest, with sources indicating a potential “Pawar vs. Pawar” face-off. Ajit Pawar’s nephew, Yugendra Pawar, associated with the NCP (SP), is expected to challenge him, injecting an element of family rivalry into the electoral dynamics of Baramati.
In crafting its candidate selection, the NCP has demonstrated confidence in 26 sitting MLAs, including several key ministers who sided with Ajit Pawar during his dramatic political realignment. This shift occurred when he broke away from his uncle, Sharad Pawar, and aligned with the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The loyalty displayed by these MLAs signifies the consolidation of power within Ajit Pawar's faction, reinforcing his leadership amidst internal party tensions and potential opposition.
Among the notable candidates in this first list, Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly, Narhari Zirwal, has been fielded from Dindori, while prominent state cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal is set to contest from Yeola. The NCP's strategy appears to also include attracting new political allies, as evidenced by the inclusion of Sulbha Khodke from Amravati and Hiraman Khoskar from Igatpuri. Both of these candidates have recently made the switch from the Congress party, highlighting the NCP's proactive approach to broaden its base of support and strengthen its electoral prospects.
As the political atmosphere intensifies in Maharashtra, the stakes are high for all participating parties. The Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with results expected to be declared just three days later on November 23. This timeline is particularly crucial, as the current assembly's term will come to an end on November 26, compelling parties to finalize their strategies and candidate lineups swiftly. The upcoming elections are not just a test of political endurance for the NCP, but they also represent a significant moment for all players in Maharashtra's complex political arena as they vie for influence and control in a state that has long been a focal point of Indian politics.
