Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s nephew is likely to campaign for Supriya Sule in Baramati. Since the split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), it is the first time a new Pawar has emerged in politics, supporting Sharad Pawar.
Yugendra Pawar visited Member of Parliament Supriya Sule’s campaign office in Baramati on Wednesday, held discussions with activists from the Sharad Pawar group, and addressed a press conference.
Yugendra Pawar is the son of Ajit Pawar’s brother, Srinivas Pawar. Although not active in politics, Yugendra Pawar serves as the treasurer of Vidya Pratishthan Sanstha, a charitable trust, and oversees the Baramati wrestler’s association. While he has managed professional responsibilities until now, he now hints at campaigning for Supriya Sule.
“I have visited here as it’s a new office. I respect Saheb (Sharad Pawar) and will do as he says. I’ll be happy to campaign in upcoming elections,” he said. When asked about Ajit Pawar’s sons Parth and Jay campaigning for their father, Yugendra stated, “It’s good that all of us will be campaigning.” When asked about his journey in politics, he replied, “I would like to start from the ground level and work my way up. I have been working at the grassroots for a long time.”
After Ajit Pawar decided to align with the BJP, two schools of thought emerged in the Pawar family. In a recent speech, Ajit Pawar indicated that except for his own family, all other members of the Pawar family would be against him. Ajit is likely to propose his wife Sunetra’s name for the Baramati Lok Sabha seat. Since Supriya Sule is the sitting MP from the seat, it could result in a contest between Pawar and Pawar in Baramati.
When asked about Yugendra Pawar entering politics, Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said, “As far as I know, he is a businessman. He has his own business. He has studied in the United States.”
Commenting on Yugendra’s statements, Amol Mitkari, an MLC from Ajit Pawar’s faction, said, “A youth named Yugendra is being introduced to politics. The question is whether this is to obstruct Ajit Pawar’s political growth. Wherever there are candidates supported by Ajit Pawar, they will face opposition like this.”
On Tuesday, Anil Tatkare was appointed as the Maharashtra Vice-President of the NCP Sharad Pawar group. Anil is the brother of Sunil Tatkare, who is the Maharashtra President of Ajit Pawar’s NCP. Anil may be put up against his brother in the upcoming elections.
In a major setback for Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar ruled on February 15 that the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar is the ‘real political party’.
There are a total of 53 NCP MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly. While Ajit Pawar’s faction holds the majority with 41 MLAs, the NCP faction led by his uncle Sharad Pawar has the support of 12 MLAs.
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