As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections in 2024, political dynamics in the state are shifting dramatically, particularly in Pune district, a historical stronghold of the Pawar family. Supriya Sule, the sitting Member of Parliament from Baramati, recently opened up about her experience in the Lok Sabha elections, revealing her doubts about victory amidst a familial and political upheaval.
In the aftermath of the division within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the political landscape has become increasingly complex. Supriya faced a formidable challenge during the Lok Sabha elections when she contested against her sister-in-law Sunetra, who is married to Ajit Pawar, her estranged cousin and the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This internal rivalry was intensified by the backing Sunetra received from national leaders of the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Reflecting on her campaign, Sule remarked, “In my own election, I was 100 per cent not sure that I am going to make it because I was fighting against all odds. I fought like a fakir (ascetic).” Despite the challenges, Supriya Sule emerged victorious, winning by a significant margin, a testament to her resilience and dedication.
The implications of the NCP’s split have not only affected relationships within the Pawar family but also the party’s electoral strategies. Sule noted that her party and its symbol were taken from her in the turmoil, highlighting the uncertainty that characterized her campaign. “I was not ‘100 per cent’ sure of my victory,” she acknowledged, emphasizing the uphill battle she faced.
Additionally, Sule has recently urged the Supreme Court to treat both factions of the NCP equally concerning their election symbols. Her call for “natural justice” comes as her faction seeks clarification regarding the electoral symbols ahead of the elections. The Supreme Court previously ruled in favor of the Sharad Pawar faction, prohibiting Ajit Pawar’s group from using the ‘clock’ symbol, which Sule argues has disrupted a level playing field. “Both factions should receive distinct symbols before the upcoming Maharashtra elections,” she stressed, underscoring the importance of clarity in a fragmented political scenario.
As Baramati emerges as a key constituency in the political landscape of Maharashtra, all eyes will be on Supriya Sule and her faction as they prepare for the electoral battle ahead. With the stakes higher than ever, the outcome of this election could significantly influence the future of the NCP and the Pawar family’s political legacy.