Ajit Pawar hints at Wife’s candidacy against Supriya Sule in Baramati
In a politically charged speech, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Ajit Pawar has sparked speculation about fielding his wife, Sunetra, against his cousin and incumbent Baramati MP, Supriya Sule, in the anticipated 2024 elections. Despite a recent political divide within the Pawar clan, personal relations have seemingly remained intact.
Ajit Pawar’s emotional appeal to constituents emphasized the need to elect a “first-timer” surrounded by “experienced people.” While not directly naming Sunetra, his speech fueled rumors about her potential candidacy. Ajit Pawar, the sitting MLA from Baramati and deputy chief minister, declared his intention to support a candidate with no prior electoral experience, backed by seasoned individuals.
The local NCP unit leveraged the occasion to unveil a chariot promoting Sunetra Pawar’s social initiatives. Ajit Pawar urged party workers to convey to voters that despite being a first-time candidate, the individual is supported by experienced figures capable of contributing to the constituency’s development.
Sunetra Pawar, hailing from a political family before her marriage into the Pawar clan, has previously stayed away from active politics. Her brother and nephew are involved in politics, while the Pawar couple’s elder son, Parth, contested and lost in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Maval.
In a subtle jab at his cousin Supriya, Ajit Pawar hinted at potential corruption allegations, suggesting that those who work are likely to face such accusations. This comes amid a backdrop where both Ajit Pawar and Supriya Pawar have faced political scrutiny. Ajit Pawar asserted his leadership within the NCP, emphasizing that despite familial opposition, party workers continue to support him.
The 2024 contest in Baramati, anticipated to be fiercely contested, may reshape the dynamics within the Pawar family.
Ajit Pawar’s remarks about his familial position and veiled criticisms of his cousin indicate the potential for heightened political tensions in the upcoming elections.
