The political landscape of Baramati has been under intense scrutiny as the Lok Sabha election results of 2024 unfold. In an electoral battle that has captured national attention, Supriya Sule from the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is currently leading against Sunetra Pawar, representing the Ajit Pawar faction aligned with the Mahayuti alliance.
The Split in NCP and Its Consequences
The NCP, once a unified political force, witnessed a significant split leading up to these elections. Ajit Pawar’s faction chose to contest as part of the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance), while Sharad Pawar’s faction remained with the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA). In the 2019 elections, the unified NCP had contested 19 seats, with notable victories including Supriya Sule from Baramati, Sunil Tatkare from Raigad, Dr. Amol Kolhe from Shirur, and Srinivas Patil from Satara. Post-split, only Sunil Tatkare sided with Ajit Pawar, while the rest remained loyal to Sharad Pawar.
Baramati’s High-Stakes Contest
Baramati has become a focal point in this electoral drama. Supriya Sule, the incumbent MP, faced off against Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s wife. The contest has been fierce, with Ajit Pawar’s camp conducting extensive campaigns to secure a win for Sunetra. Despite these efforts, the initial results have favored Supriya Sule, who is leading by a margin of 14,000 votes as of the latest count.
Reactions from the Pawar Family
Amidst the counting process, the first reactions from the Pawar family have surfaced. Rajendra Pawar, the father of MLA Rohit Pawar and nephew of Sharad Pawar, commented on the evolving situation in Baramati. He expressed confidence in Supriya Sule’s eventual victory, attributing her lead to the support of the general populace. He acknowledged the internal divisions within the Pawar family but remained optimistic about Supriya Sule’s chances, suggesting that her lead would likely increase as the counting progresses.
Rajendra Pawar’s statement highlights the significance of this election, not just for Baramati but for the broader political narrative in Maharashtra. He said, “Supriya Sule is currently leading. Several rounds of counting are still left, and her lead is expected to grow. The Pawar family is no longer united as it once was. However, because this election is now in the hands of the common people, Supriya Sule will remain in the lead and secure victory.”
Broader Electoral Context
This election cycle has been particularly momentous for Maharashtra. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction secured 10 seats within the Mahavikas Aghadi, while the Ajit Pawar faction managed to win 4 seats within the Mahayuti. The results from Baramati are crucial as they reflect the larger power dynamics within the state and the influence of the Pawar family in Maharashtra’s politics.
Conclusion
As the counting continues, all eyes remain on Baramati. The results here will not only determine the political future of Supriya Sule but also signify the public’s stance on the split within the NCP. The lead held by Supriya Sule suggests a vote of confidence from her constituents, reinforcing her position as a significant political figure in Maharashtra. The final results will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the Pawar family’s legacy and the political landscape of the state.