Pune: In a landslide victory, Ajit Pawar has asserted his unchallenged dominance in the Baramati Assembly constituency for the eighth consecutive time.
Despite facing opposition from senior leader Sharad Pawar and a notable split within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Ajit Pawar won against his opponent, Yugendra Pawar, by a margin exceeding one lakh votes, solidifying his influence in the region.
The Baramati Assembly race initially appeared to be a tough contest, but Ajit Pawar’s campaign strategy, focused on promises of development, resonated with the local electorate.
This victory came despite the absence of explicit support from Sharad Pawar, who remained a critical figure in Maharashtra politics. Instead of sympathy, voters prioritized development, a sentiment made clear through the ballot.
The voting statistics further highlight Ajit Pawar’s widespread support across the constituency.
Out of 386 polling booths, Ajit Pawar led in 383, with Yugendra Pawar only gaining a majority in three booths: Booth 15 (Kharadewadi), Booth 200 (Mudhale), and Booth 212 (Dhakale).
Additionally, 238 votes were declared invalid, and 779 voters opted for the NOTA (None of the Above) option. Apart from Ajit and Yugendra Pawar, the other 21 candidates collectively secured 11,751 votes, but all of them lost their deposits due to insufficient support.
This election held nationwide significance, with Ajit Pawar running for the first time as the NCP's national president. Throughout the campaign, Ajit Pawar appealed to Baramati residents to focus on the region’s progress.
Early in the campaign, he grew emotional in public appearances, while Sharad Pawar seemed to mock his efforts. Yet Sharad Pawar’s repeated slogan, "Pada, Pada, Pada," inadvertently boosted Ajit Pawar’s image in Baramati, as his criticism was not directed sharply enough to sway the local electorate away from Ajit.
Ultimately, the absence of harsh criticism from Sharad Pawar may have indirectly benefited Ajit Pawar, aiding his appeal for continued development in Baramati.