In the heart of Maharashtra’s Pune district, an intense political saga is unfolding, drawing the attention of the entire nation. Baramati, a constituency long dominated by the influential Pawar family, is witnessing a remarkable clash – a family feud between the dynasty’s giants, Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar. Baramati’s importance in Maharashtra’s political arena extends well beyond its borders. For the Pawar family, this constituency has been a stronghold of power and influence, a base from which they have steered the state’s course for decades. Sharad Pawar’s steadfast dedication to rural development, his emphasis on agriculture, and his relentless efforts to bring infrastructure, healthcare, and educational facilities to Baramati have earned him the affection of the local population.
Although Ajit Pawar and the BJP aim to frame the election as Narendra Modi versus Rahul Gandhi rather than a Pawar family feud, Sharad Pawar’s emotional resonance remains substantial. Despite nominating his wife as a candidate, Ajit Pawar maintains that he is the genuine contender in this election. However, this electoral battle has highlighted the internal rifts within the Pawar family, with Ajit Pawar’s brother and nephews supporting Supriya Sule and actively campaigning for her. Once known as the most united political family in Maharashtra, the Pawars are now witnessing their family conflicts play out in public during the Baramati election campaign.
Baramati Parliamentary Constituency-Lok Sabha (35) is situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This is a constituency comprising six assembly seats Daund, Indapur, Baramati, Purandar, Bhor, and Khadakwasala. As per the 2011 census, out of a total population of 2,390,446, 79.3% reside in rural areas, while 20.7% are urban dwellers. Scheduled Castes (SC) account for 12.25% of the population, and Scheduled Tribes (ST) make up 2% of the total population. In the 2019 voter list, there were 2,114,663 electorates and 2,372 polling stations in this constituency. The voter turnout was 61.82% in the 2019 parliamentary election and 58.83% in the 2014 parliamentary election. In the 2019 parliamentary election, the BJP received 40.69% of the votes, while the NCP secured 52.63%. Comparatively, in the 2014 parliamentary election, the NCP and the RSPS obtained 48.9% and 42.36% of the votes, respectively. Currently, Supriya Sule (NCP) serves as the Member of Parliament for Baramati Parliamentary Constituency-Lok Sabha.
For generations, the people of Baramati have remained steadfast in their loyalty to the Pawar clan, a political dynasty that has shaped the region’s destiny with unwavering determination. The choice at the ballot box was a straightforward one – either a candidate from the Pawar family or someone who carried their blessing. This unshakable bond between the voters and the Pawars was akin to the enduring relationship between the Gandhis and their strongholds of Amethi and Raebareli. Delving into Baramati’s political history, the constituency has been a stronghold for the Pawar family since the 1960s. Sharad Pawar himself represented Baramati as a member of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1984. Subsequently, his nephew, Ajit Pawar won the seat in 1991 under the NCP banner. Bapusaheb Thite (NCP) secured the seat in a by-poll in 1994, and Supriya Sule (NCP) has been the sitting MP since 2004, securing comfortable victories in 2009 and 2019.
Beyond the internal family strife, the contest for Baramati’s Lok Sabha seat mirrors changing demographics and political dynamics. Initially a largely rural area, the constituency has transformed with the growth of Pune city and now encompasses a substantial urban area. After delimitation in 2009, Baramati has urban belt areas like the Khadakwasala assembly constituency, which has over five lakh voters and is considered a BJP stronghold since 2014. The BJP also won the Daund seat.
Although Ajit Pawar might seem to have an advantage on paper, Sharad Pawar’s emotional bond with voters, especially in the Baramati Assembly constituency, could ultimately influence the result. Despite the BJP’s concerted efforts in the region against Ajit Pawar, against whom it previously ran anti-corruption campaigns, the challenge remains formidable. The BJP had been struggling to make its place in Baramati, and while doing so, its cadre had to face Ajit Pawar’s might on the ground when the NCP was united. Both men have wielded considerable influence over the administration of the constituency and the broader Pune district, making this contest a true clash of titans.
For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), this election presents an opportunity they have long coveted—a chance to challenge the Pawar family’s iron grip on Baramati. In previous elections, the BJP’s efforts were thwarted by the unwavering support for Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, who secured victories in 2014 and 2019. However, a change in strategy has now emerged, fueled by the internal rifts within the Pawar clan.Ajit Pawar’s defection to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in July 2023 and his subsequent acquisition of the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) name and symbol from his uncle set the stage for an unprecedented familial faceoff. By fielding Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra from Baramati, the BJP aims to ensure a genuine contest, one that could potentially break the Pawar family’s stranglehold on the constituency.
As the battle between the Pawars rages on, the outcome will not only determine the leadership of Baramati but will also shape the future trajectory of Maharashtra’s political landscape. With tensions running high and emotions frayed, this contest transcends familial ties, encompassing broader implications for the state’s future. Political observers and analysts across the nation are watching with bated breath, eager to witness the denouement of this gripping saga.
In the end, the people of Baramati will be the ultimate arbiters, their votes carrying the weight of a legacy that spans generations. Will they reaffirm their unwavering loyalty to the Pawar dynasty, or will they embrace the winds of change ushered in by Ajit Pawar’s defection? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the Baramati battleground has captured the imagination of the entire nation, a riveting tale of power, legacy, and the unraveling of familial bonds.
