Sharad Pawar Rallies for Grand-nephew, Criticizes Ruling Alliance for “Temporary Memories of Public Issues”
In a political drama fit for Bollywood, the legendary Baramati constituency will witness a showdown between veteran leader Sharad Pawar’s grand-nephew, Yogendra Pawar, and Maharashtra Deputy CM (and estranged nephew) Ajit Pawar. As Yogendra files his nomination on Monday, supported by Sharad Pawar himself, the political family feud now unfolds on the battleground of Maharashtra.
Sharad Pawar, head of the NCP, set the stage by declaring that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) would not only address Maharashtra’s issues but also ‘prepare people for a change in governance.’ He took a swipe at the ruling Mahayuti coalition, suggesting their “in-the-nick-of-election” Ladli Behna Yojna scheme was little more than “a memory jogger.” According to Pawar, the ruling government seems to remember key issues only as polling season approaches, aiming to evoke a little nostalgia in the electorate.
“This Ladli Behna scheme is only memorable because they announced it just in time for elections. It’s a trick people see through,” said Pawar. He pointedly noted that “the real issues facing Maharashtra, like inflation, farmer distress, and youth unemployment, have stayed unresolved.”
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar, filing his nomination as an NCP candidate, seemed unfazed by his uncle’s backing of Yogendra. “Everyone is a strong candidate until the votes are counted,” he remarked, showing confidence that Baramati voters would elect him once again, despite the rivalry. He addressed the split in the NCP, a sore point for the Pawar family, saying he’s accustomed to facing “all sorts” of candidates—hinting at his opponent’s youth and familial connection with a confident smile.
On his part, Yogendra Pawar, with the full weight of his grand-uncle’s endorsement, expressed a bit of sorrow that family matters have taken such a public turn. “It’s sad and unfortunate that things came to this,” he remarked, adding that the family had long been unified under Sharad Pawar’s leadership until the NCP’s recent split.
As election day approaches, all eyes are on Baramati, where family loyalty, political legacy, and a battle of ideologies are all at play. And in Maharashtra, where political memory runs deep, voters are likely to remind the candidates of exactly who they serve come November 23.
