Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Pawar's 1960 struggle echoes in Supriya Sule's duel with Sunetra Pawar

The Pawar-versus-Pawar conflict stems from a division within the original NCP that occurred last year.

The feud between the factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), coupled with the legal battle for control, has been a prominent feature of Maharashtra politics for almost a year. Now, with less than two weeks for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, this intra-party conflict is likely to manifest in a new chapter in Baramati, often referred to as the "sugar bowl of Maharashtra." Here, Sharad Pawar's daughter, Supriya Sule, is pitted against Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra, setting the stage for a political showdown between the two factions within the Pawar family.

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Plot Thickens: Sule vs Sunetra

Sule asserted that the contest between herself and her sister-in-law Sunetra is plotted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the aim of politically undermining NCP founder Sharad Pawar. Baramati is scheduled to go to polls in the third phase on May 7.

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Familial Rivalry and Political Stakes

Political analysts say the high-profile electoral battle in Baramati is expected to draw significant attention, not only due to the familial rivalry but also because of the political significance of the region. As a key agricultural hub and stronghold of the Pawar family, the outcome of this contest could have broader implications for Maharashtra's political landscape and the NCP's internal dynamics.

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Pawar vs Pawar Reshapes Maharashtra Politics

The Pawar-versus-Pawar tussle is the result of a split within the original NCP last year, when Ajit Pawar aligned himself with the ruling BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, along with his loyalist MLAs. The move led to a significant upheaval within the party, causing rifts and divisions that have persisted, shaping the current political landscape in Maharashtra.

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Baramati: Pawars Decades-Long Political Bastion

The Baramati constituency in Pune district, comprising Baramati, Indapur, Daund, Purandar, Bhor, and Khadakwasla assembly segments, has long been a stronghold of Sharad Pawar since the 1960s. Ajit Pawar has served as an MLA from Baramati since 1991, with his victory in 2019 standing out as one of the most resounding victories in the state's electoral history.

Ajit Pawar, the incumbent MLA from the Baramati assembly segment, has historically played a crucial role in ensuring the success of Sule in previous elections by safeguarding the Pawars' vote bank. In addition to Sule, Sharad Pawar has also been actively touring the constituency, engaging with various groups, and holding meetings to leave no stone unturned in securing victory.

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Intra-Family Electoral Clash Echoes Baramati's Past

The electoral clash between two members of the Pawar family in the Baramati constituency is not unprecedented. In the 1960s, the Pawar family witnessed its first-ever intra-family electoral confrontation between Sharad Pawar and his elder brother Vasantrao Pawar. It  occurred after the death of Baramati MP Keshavrao Jedhe, which prompted bypolls for the seat. Vasantrao contested from the Peasants & Workers Party (PWP), while Sharad Pawar was a member and office-bearer of the Congress Party, serving as the secretary of the Youth Congress in Pune city at the time.

The challenge posed by Vasantrao's opposition to the Congress party presented a huge dilemma for the Pawar family, especially for Sharad Pawar. Despite not directly contesting the election himself, Sharad Pawar was in a difficult position at just 20 years old. He had to navigate between supporting his brother and aligning with the Congress party's candidate, as reported by News18 website.

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A Lesson in Pragmatism and Family Loyalty

This episode marked a crucial moment in Sharad Pawar's political journey, where he confronted the complexities of political pragmatism and familial loyalty. In confronting this dilemma, he learned a valuable lesson from his parents, especially his mother. Despite her personal allegiance to the PWP, she advised Sharad Pawar to prioritise the broader interests of the Congress Party.

The timely and valuable suggestion highlighted the significance of prioritising broader political considerations over narrow familial loyalties. It profoundly influenced Sharad Pawar's political philosophy, stressing the importance of strategic decision-making and adept navigation of intricate political landscapes. Also, the experience proved instrumental in shaping Sharad Pawar's political acumen and leadership approach, laying the groundwork for his influential career in Indian politics.

From Defeat to Dominance: Sharad Pawar's Political Power

The electoral defeat of Vasantrao Pawar in that election, while a setback for the Pawar family, ultimately paved the way for Sharad Pawar's political rise. Following this incident, Sharad Pawar was nominated as a candidate for the assembly polls in 1967 from Baramati, a contest he won convincingly. Plus, the  victory not only secured his place in the state assembly but also marked the beginning of his influential political career.

Almost six decades later, the Pawar family finds itself in a similar situation in Baramati, where two family members are contesting against each other.