Ajit Pawar emerged victorious in Baramati, defeating his nephew Yugendra Pawar in a high-stakes contest that highlighted the deepening divisions within the Pawar family. Ajit Pawar, currently Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and leader of the NCP faction aligned with the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition, retained the constituency, a traditional stronghold of the Pawar family, despite a spirited challenge from Yugendra Pawar, who represented the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction. Baramati recorded a voter turnout of 71.57% on November 20.

Interestingly, Ajit Pawar chose not to seek support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi or senior BJP leaders such as Amit Shah during his campaign. Citing time constraints and financial limits imposed by election spending caps, he refrained from high-profile rallies, relying instead on his grassroots network and localised strategies. This decision reflected either his confidence in his stronghold or an awareness of Baramati's unique political dynamics, where BJP's influence might not align with local sentiments.

Ajit Pawar's previous electoral dominance provided a robust backdrop for his campaign. In 2019, he won the Baramati seat with a record-breaking margin of 1.65 lakh votes over BJP’s Gopichand Kundlik Padalkar, cementing his position as a formidable force in the constituency. His consistent optimism about securing a "good lead" this time resonated with his confidence in his enduring appeal among Baramati voters.

Despite shifting alliances and the familial nature of the contest, Ajit Pawar's victory underscored his ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Maharashtra. His win also showcased his continued relevance and influence within Baramati, even as intra-family rivalries and political realignments played out.

2019 Baramati Assembly Election Result:

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

Baramati, once again, proved to be a testament to Ajit Pawar's political prowess, solidifying his leadership amidst the evolving dynamics of Maharashtra politics.