In the ever-shifting landscape of Maharashtra politics, tensions within the Pawar family have reached a boiling point as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar takes on his uncle, Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The familial strife has taken centre stage, particularly with Ajit contesting against his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, in the Baramati constituency—a seat Ajit has represented since 1991. This fierce contest reflects the ongoing power struggles within the party and highlights the deep personal rifts that have emerged.
At a recent rally, Ajit Pawar levelled strong accusations against Sharad Pawar, asserting that his uncle was responsible for the division within their family. 'I previously admitted to making a mistake, but it seems like others are now making errors too,' Ajit stated, lamenting how an agreement within the family to file his nomination first was overlooked. 'Despite the challenges, we managed to improve the situation,' he added, showcasing his resilience in the face of internal conflict.
The dynamics of the Pawar family have become increasingly complicated, particularly with Yugendra Pawar—Sharad's grandson—running against Ajit. The younger Pawar is contesting on the NCP (Sharad Pawar) ticket, creating a direct political confrontation that underscores the fracture within the party.
Ajit expressed disappointment over family dynamics, revealing that his mother had suggested not fielding any candidates against him. Yet, he claims that Sharad instructed another candidate to challenge him, intensifying their friction. 'Saheb created the split within the family,' Ajit remarked, urging that politics should not degrade to such low levels, emphasizing that while it takes generations to build unity, it can be lost in an instant.
Development vs. Dissent
Amidst the familial discord, Ajit Pawar defended his track record on development in Baramati. He remarked, 'Some people question the development work done in Baramati, but that doesn't mean building roads and schools isn't development.' Ajit sought to clarify his perspective on progress, stressing the importance of understanding what constitutes genuine development.
He also maintained confidence in his electoral prospects, asserting that ongoing welfare schemes would continue for the benefit of the people. 'I exude confidence in winning the election, and I assure you that no continuing scheme will be shut,' he stated, positioning himself as a steadfast advocate for his constituents.
The 2023 Split
This family feud did not arise in a vacuum. In November 2019, Ajit Pawar shocked the political sphere by attempting to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against his uncle's wishes, taking an oath as deputy CM in a surprising midnight coup. This political manoeuvre was short-lived, as Sharad Pawar successfully brought Ajit back into the fold, resulting in a deputy CM role under Uddhav Thackeray’s Maha Vikas Aghadi government.
However, the ambitious nephew struck again in 2023, leading a faction of eight MLAs in a rebellion that culminated in the split of the NCP. This move solidified his position as the leader of a faction recognized by the Election Commission as the 'real NCP.'
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