In Maharashtra’s Baramati constituency, a high-profile electoral battle is shaping up between Ajit Pawar, the current Deputy Chief Minister, and his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, who represents the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Sharad Pawar. With Ajit Pawar representing a faction that aligns with the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena coalition, this internal family rivalry takes on new dimensions in Baramati, historically a Pawar stronghold.

Interestingly, Ajit Pawar has opted not to seek support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi or other senior BJP leaders like Amit Shah. Ajit Pawar’s rationale centers on two main factors: the limited time left in the campaign period and financial constraints imposed by election spending caps. His restraint in calling for high-profile rallies might reflect his confidence in his grassroots support within Baramati or an understanding of the localised dynamics at play, where BJP’s presence may not be necessary or beneficial. Furthermore, it underscores the personal and familial nature of this contest, where calling upon national leaders could be seen as a move beyond the traditional boundaries of the local constituency politics.

Pawar’s earlier electoral performances, especially his record-breaking win in 2019 with a margin of 1.65 lakh votes over BJP’s Gopichand Kundlik Padalkar, add context to this year's campaign. Despite shifting political alliances and the familial rivalry, he remains optimistic about a "good lead" this time, indicating he still holds sway over a significant portion of Baramati’s electorate. The absence of Modi or Shah in Baramati may also signal confidence within the BJP and Ajit Pawar’s faction that his local influence will carry the seat, allowing other BJP leaders to focus on more competitive or BJP-contested areas.

The 2019 Baramati Assembly election result:

  • Ajit Pawar (NCP)- 195,641 votes
  • Gopichand Padalkar (BJP)- 30,376 votes
     

This unique internal dynamic within Baramati illustrates the evolving landscape of Maharashtra politics, where shifting alliances, local loyalties and family divisions add layers to the state’s political scene. While a stronghold for the Pawar family, the nuances of this intra-family contest make Baramati one of Maharashtra’s most closely watched constituencies this election cycle.