Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: Sharad Pawar Challenges Ajit Pawar’s Loyalists With These Candidates

Veteran politician and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) chief, Sharad Pawar, has made significant moves against his nephew, Ajit Pawar, and several former allies as the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections approach, as Hindustan Times reported.

Sharad Pawar's strategy targets key figures who joined Ajit Pawar after his claim to control the NCP, a party founded by Sharad Pawar 25 years ago. The list of those targeted includes prominent leaders such as Chhagan Bhujbal from Yeola, Dilip Walse-Patil from Ambegaon, Hasan Mushrif from Kagal, and Dhananjay Munde from Parli. Additionally, Narhari Zirwal (Dindori), Dharmarao Baba Atram (Aheri), and Shrirang Barne (Indapur) have also found themselves on the receiving end of Sharad Pawar's political tactics.

Photo Credit: PTI

Chhagan Bhujbal, who is contesting from Yeola in Nashik district, now faces a tough challenge from Manikrao Shinde, a Maratha candidate fielded by Sharad Pawar. Shinde is the son of former MLA Madhukarrao Shinde, adding a fresh dynamic to this crucial electoral battle.

Hasan Mushrif, currently serving as the Medical Education Minister of Maharashtra, has been the MLA of Kagal since 1999 and is in his fifth consecutive term. A long-time NCP veteran, Mushrif sided with the Ajit Pawar faction when the party split into two in 2023. While NCP (Ajit Pawar) is banking on Mushrif to retain Kagal, the Sharad Pawar-led faction has fielded Ghatge Samarjeetsinh Vikramsinh to capture the seat.

These leaders sided with Ajit Pawar when he joined forces with the BJP-led Maha Yuti (NDA) alliance during June-July 2023, in an effort to gain control over the party. However, Sharad Pawar is now countering this move by fielding his own candidates against them in the upcoming elections.

A senior NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader from Baramati revealed that Sharad Pawar has strategically chosen candidates to challenge his former aides. "Pawar Saheb has cleverly positioned candidates, even pulling support from other parties, whether from the opposition or the ruling side. He has ensured a proper caste balance to strengthen his side," the leader stated.

This tactical approach by Sharad Pawar highlights his determination to regain influence within Maharashtra's political landscape and challenge those who broke away to support Ajit Pawar. As the election date draws near, the political rivalry within the NCP faction is expected to intensify, making it a crucial battleground in Maharashtra politics.