Mumbai, October 23, 2024 – As the political battle in Maharashtra intensifies ahead of the upcoming state elections, Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has unveiled a list of 38 candidates. The announcement marks a significant move in the party’s strategy as it aims to strengthen its position in key constituencies across the state.
One of the most notable decisions is Ajit Pawar himself opting to contest from the family stronghold of Baramati, a constituency with deep historical significance for the Pawar family.
Here are the key highlights from the NCP’s announcement:
- Ajit Pawar to Contest from Baramati: Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister and head of his faction of the NCP, has chosen to contest the election from Baramati, a seat that has been associated with the Pawar family for decades. This move is seen as a clear signal of his intent to hold onto the traditional stronghold amid the split within the party.
- 38 Candidates Announced: The NCP released a list of 38 candidates, covering constituencies in various regions of Maharashtra. The selection of these candidates is seen as part of Ajit Pawar’s broader strategy to solidify his faction’s influence in the state assembly.
- Focus on Strong Constituencies: Many of the candidates announced are from constituencies where the NCP has traditionally had a strong presence. The party is focusing on maintaining its hold on rural areas while also trying to make inroads in urban regions.
- NCP Factional Split: This announcement comes against the backdrop of the ongoing tussle between Ajit Pawar and his uncle, Sharad Pawar, over the leadership of the NCP. Ajit’s decision to contest from Baramati, a seat long held by his cousin Supriya Sule in the Lok Sabha, has added a layer of intrigue to the already heated contest between the two factions.
- Candidates with Local Influence: The list includes candidates who are considered influential in their respective regions. Ajit Pawar’s strategy appears to be centered on fielding strong, locally connected candidates who can sway voters in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Election Alliance Prospects: While Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction has not yet revealed any formal alliances, political observers are watching closely to see if it will tie up with other regional or national parties to boost its chances in the upcoming elections.
The announcement of candidates sets the stage for a high-stakes battle in Maharashtra, with Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction aiming to cement its position in the state’s complex political landscape. All eyes are now on how the electorate responds to this list, particularly in constituencies like Baramati, where the Pawar family legacy looms large.
The Maharashtra assembly elections are expected to be one of the most closely watched political contests in the country, with the dynamics between Ajit Pawar’s faction and his rivals playing a key role in shaping the state’s future leadership.
