Ajit Pawar’s Diwali Celebration Challenges Sharad Pawar

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

1. Ajit Pawar announced his own Diwali Padwa celebration.
2. This event breaks a five-decade tradition led by Sharad Pawar.
3. The Pawar family division signals rising political tensions ahead of elections.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is set to hold his own Diwali Padwa celebration in Baramati, breaking a five-decade tradition led by his uncle, Sharad Pawar. This move symbolizes Ajit’s intent to establish himself as a standalone power in Maharashtra politics. All eyes are now on Baramati as the Pawar family divides its Padwa festivities amid rising political tensions ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Sharad Pawar recently announced the candidacy of his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, for Baramati’s Assembly seat, positioning him in direct competition with Ajit’s influence in the region. Ajit’s move is reminiscent of recent splits in other political gatherings, such as Shiv Sena’s Dussehra Melawa, which Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde now hold separately. Ajit Pawar’s Padwa celebration reflects a similar break, with him striving to solidify his standing independently.

During the Diwali Padwa event, Ajit Pawar will meet local officials and party workers, aiming to rally support and outline his vision for Baramati and Maharashtra. This event is expected to showcase Ajit’s resilience, signaling that he’s ready to defend his political territory.

Origin of Diwali Padwa in Baramati: Sharad Pawar began the Diwali Padwa tradition at his Baramati residence, Govind Bagh, after his first election to the Maharashtra Assembly in 1967. Originally a family gathering, the event grew to be a significant political occasion, drawing party members and supporters from across the state.

The family’s political divide intensified after Ajit Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister on July 2, 2023. Last year, Ajit had refrained from hosting his own Padwa event but made an appearance at the family’s Bhaubij celebration, sparking speculation about his relationship with Sharad Pawar.

Pawar Family Division in Elections: In the last Lok Sabha elections, Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, retained her Baramati seat with a margin of nearly 1.5 lakh votes, despite Ajit Pawar backing his wife, Sunetra Pawar, to challenge her. Sule’s victory affirmed her strong support base, but Ajit now appears determined to assert his influence by hosting his own Padwa, marking a new phase in the Pawar family’s political dynamics.

Ajit’s recent manoeuvres, including his separate Padwa celebration, reflect his drive to claim a lasting role in Maharashtra’s political scene. The split festivities in Baramati underscore a competitive electoral showdown within the Pawar family, foreshadowing a high-stakes race not only for the family legacy but for broader influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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