Sharad Pawar to contest against Supriya Sule, Sunetra Pawar in Baramati, but there's a catch

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar will fight an intense battle against NCP (SP) candidate for Baramati Supriya Sule.

The high-octane Pawar vs Pawar electoral battle in Maharashtra's Baramati Lok Sabha Constituency only got more intriguing as Independent candidate, Sharad Pawar, filed his nomination on April 18, just a day ahead of the first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections.

As per a report by The Times of India, the 36-year-old autorickshaw driver is part of the Indian Gig Workers Front which intends to field candidates from all other Lok Sabha seats as well - Pune, Maval, and Shirur - in the district.

A namesake of the NCP (SCP) patriarch, the auto driver sees the senior politician as his idol and inspiration and was named after him by his grandfather in 1988 when Sharad Pawar was rechristened the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the second time.

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

The autorickshaw driver from Baramati strongly believes in the power of social media as a tool for campaigning. He feels money is not crucial here for contesting the Lok Sabha elections thanks to the enormous support the Gig workers are receiving from the people around them. In Pawar's words, gig workers have been left alone to look after themselves owing to which they decided to contest the polls, as cited in The Times of India report.

Among the other Gig workers who will be contesting the Lok Sabha elections are tempo driver Manoj Vetal from Pune, cab driver Santosh Valgude from Maval, and food delivery executive Swapnil Londe from Shirur.

Famous for its diverse political terrain and significant influence on elections, Maharashtra occupies a crucial role in molding the political landscape of the nation.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will commence on April 19, following weeks of intense campaigning featuring extravagant roadshows and extensive poll journeys. The first phase will witness voting in 102 constituencies across 21 states and four Union Territories.