Lok Sabha Election 2024: Supriya Sule and Sunetra Pawar Enter Electoral Fray for Baramati Seat, Kolhe For Shirur and Dhangekar For Pune

In a dramatic turn of events, the political landscape of Baramati witnessed a familial faceoff as Supriya Sule, the three-time MP and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate, along with her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar, filed their nominations for the Baramati parliamentary seat on Thursday. The nomination filing marked a significant moment in the ongoing power struggle within the NCP, with Sunetra representing a faction led by her husband Ajit Pawar.

The Baramati constituency, a stronghold of the Pawar family, is set for a heated electoral battle as the two relatives prepare to contest against each other, intensifying the political dynamics in the region. The filing of nominations comes ahead of the upcoming polls scheduled for May 7, with the nomination process closing on Friday and scrutiny set for April 20.

The nomination filing ceremony witnessed a display of political might, with prominent leaders such as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and NCP stalwart Sharad Pawar lending their support to the respective factions. While one faction held meetings, the other organized a rally, showcasing their influence in the district.

Amidst the charged atmosphere, Supriya Sule voiced concerns over alleged threats issued by the rival camp to voters and party workers, emphasizing her determination to stand firm against any intimidation tactics. She asserted her lineage as Sharad Pawar’s daughter, reaffirming her commitment to uphold democratic principles.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar sought to dispel rumors of reconciliation between the warring factions post-elections, emphasizing the need for unity to address developmental challenges in the region. He urged voters to remain vigilant against misinformation and reiterated the importance of selecting a capable leader for the constituency.

The rally also saw scathing criticism of the incumbent central government by NCP president Sharad Pawar, who highlighted various issues including inflation, unemployment, and alleged misuse of power. Pawar’s impassioned address underscored the stakes involved in the upcoming elections and urged voters to make an informed choice.

In a separate development, Ajit Pawar filed a set of nomination papers as an independent candidate, a move described as a contingency plan by NCP insiders in case of any discrepancies in Sunetra Pawar’s nomination.

As of Thursday, the Election Commission received a total of 38 nomination papers from 27 candidates for the Baramati seat, indicating a keenly contested electoral battle ahead.