Pune: Who will Baramatikars side with in Pawar vs Pawar fight?

Pune: Political equations in Baramati changed after a split in the NCP a year ago. Two camps of the party led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar came face to face in the Lok Sabha elections, in which the latter faced defeat. Now, another Pawar vs Pawar fight may happen in the State Assembly poll.

NCP (SP) leader Yugendra Pawar may take on NCP (AP) President and DyCM Ajit Pawar in Baramati. Yugendra is a newcomer while Ajit Pawar controls all local self-government and cooperative institutions in the taluka. Hence, it is a tough challenge for Yugendra.

Sharad Pawar’s strategy succeeded in the Lok Sabha. Similarly, his plan will play an important role in this battle too. Currently, he is busy in planning for the State, along with other MVA partners. He has not declared the candidate for Baramati. But it may happen soon. Supriya Sule has already started campaigning for Yugendra.

A common Baramatikar does not like the rift within the Pawar family. However, they are helpless as they will have to choose one of the two Pawars. Many voters from the segment respect both leaders. They have stood behind ‘Tai’ (Supriya) and ‘Dada’ (Ajit) since 2009.

However, Sunetra Pawar’s defeat in the Lok Sabha poll has not gone down well with Ajit Pawar. He took resignations of all office-bearers in Baramati and reorganised the booth committees. Initially, Ajit Pawar confused the Baramatikars over his candidature from Baramati. Later, party leader Praful Patel announced that Ajit Pawar would contest from Baramati on the insistence of party workers.

As DyCM Ajit Pawar conducted the Jan Sanman Yatra through the segment, Yugendra Pawar also staged his Swabhimani Yatra in the constituency. Ajit Pawar has been meeting people, holding rallies while his wife Sunetra, along with sons Parth and Jai, has personally taken the reins of the campaign in her hand. Ajit Pawar interacted with booth committee workers at the village level in party’s get-togethers. He has effectively mobilised the party machinery.

The Pawars celebrate Diwali together, keeping aside their political differences. There are indications that the festival this year will not be an exception to the family tradition. Particularly, the senior members of the family come together on the occasion of Diwali Padva and Bhaubeej.

There is a possibility of a discussion among the Pawars to avoid the Lok Sabha-like situation. November 4 is the last date of withdrawal of nominations. Therefore, this could be an important Diwali for the Pawars.

The RSP to field its candidate

The Maha Yuti constituent the Rashtriya Samaj Party (RSP) has quit the alliance and will field candidates from all segments in the State. Sandip Chopde is its candidate from Baramati.

Party President Mahadev Jankar gave a tough fight to Supriya Sule in 2014 Lok Sabha election though his candidature was announced at the last moment. Therefore, the party’s entry into the arena may make the battle more interesting.