The political battleground in Maharashtra is set to intensify with the upcoming Assembly elections, especially in the Baramati constituency, where a high-stakes family feud is playing out on the electoral stage. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Sharad Pawar has announced the candidacy of 32-year-old Yugendra Pawar, who will challenge his uncle, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in what promises to be one of the fiercest electoral contests of this election cycle. This race is more than just a conventional political competition; it reflects the deep-seated divisions within the Pawar family, who have long held significant sway over Maharashtra politics.
Yugendra Pawar, who is Sharad Pawar’s grandson and the son of Shrinivas Pawar, has emerged as a rising political figure in recent years under the mentorship of his grandfather. His decision to run against his powerful uncle Ajit Pawar, who has dominated the Baramati seat for years, marks a bold move that underscores the widening rift between the two sides of the Pawar family. Yugendra’s father, Shrinivas, has been openly critical of Ajit Pawar’s decision to align with the Mahayuti government, accusing him of abandoning Sharad Pawar’s leadership and principles. This internal family dispute has now translated into an electoral contest that could reshape the political landscape of Baramati, a seat that has long been considered a Pawar family stronghold.
Yugendra’s entry into politics has been gradual but calculated. He played a key role in Supriya Sule’s successful 2024 Lok Sabha campaign, where she defeated Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s wife, by a considerable margin of over 1.5 lakh votes. This victory not only bolstered Yugendra’s political standing but also reinforced his loyalty to Sharad Pawar’s vision for the NCP. Educated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northeastern University in Boston, Yugendra brings a mix of modern outlook and traditional loyalty to his political career. His recent launch of the Swabhiman Yatra in Baramati and his position as Treasurer of Vidya Pratishtan, an educational institute established by Sharad Pawar, have helped him connect with the local electorate, further solidifying his political base.
Yugendra has been vocal about his allegiance to his grandfather, emphasizing that the people of Baramati and he himself remain loyal to Sharad Pawar. In a recent interview, Yugendra stated that "Pawar saheb and the people will decide whether I should go to the state assembly," showcasing both his confidence and deference to the political legacy of his grandfather. The upcoming election will not only test Yugendra’s political strength but also the depth of loyalty that the people of Baramati have for the different branches of the Pawar family.
On the other side, Ajit Pawar is no stranger to political challenges. A veteran politician, Ajit has been the undisputed leader of Baramati for decades and has played a crucial role in Maharashtra’s government. His position as Deputy Chief Minister and his deep-rooted connections within the Mahayuti government have given him significant political clout. However, Ajit faces a formidable challenge this time from opposition parties and within his own family. The Baramati contest will test his political mettle and could have significant repercussions for his political future.
This isn’t the first time the Pawar family has been embroiled in a public electoral battle. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, defeated Sunetra Pawar, further highlighting the growing divide between Ajit Pawar’s side of the family and Sharad Pawar’s faction. The upcoming Assembly elections will continue this intra-family contest, with the stakes now higher than ever.
Apart from Baramati, other prominent figures from the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) have also thrown their hats into the ring for the upcoming elections. Key candidates include Jayant Patil, the state party chief who will be contesting from Islampur, Jitendra Awhad from Mumbra-Kalwa, and Anil Deshmukh from Katol. Harshvardhan Patil is also vying for the Indapur seat, while Rohit Patil, son of the late R. R. Patil, is making his political debut from Tasgaon-Kavthemahankal.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled for November 20, with results to be declared on November 23, promise to be a pivotal moment not just for the state but for the future of the Pawar family’s political legacy. The Baramati seat, in particular, will be closely watched as the uncle-nephew rivalry unfolds, with far-reaching consequences for both the Pawar family and the political landscape of Maharashtra. The outcome of this contest could signal the future direction of the NCP, especially in a state where the Pawar family’s influence has been a defining factor in its politics for decades. The clash between Ajit and Yugendra Pawar represents not only a personal family conflict but also a broader battle for control over one of Maharashtra's most critical political regions.
