In a surprising development during the Maharashtra election campaign, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar?s face has gone missing from Mahayuti?s promotional material. From Pune to Western Maharashtra?Ajit Pawar's own stronghold?campaign posters, hoardings, and television ads promoting key state welfare schemes like the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahini Yojana prominently feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, but noticeably exclude Pawar.
The absence of Ajit Pawar?s image in BJP-led Mahayuti?s campaign has sparked widespread speculation about the underlying tensions within the alliance. This comes just as the BJP declared it would refrain from campaigning for NCP candidate Nawab Malik, a move seen by political observers as the latest sign of friction. Ajit Pawar, known for his dedication to the ideals of social reformers such as Mahatma Phule and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, has recently underscored his commitment to secular values and his ?left-of-centre? stance, saying in multiple rallies, ?I have not given up my commitment to the path of Phule, Shahu, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.?
The exclusion from Mahayuti?s campaign materials may stem from Ajit Pawar's perceived alignment with secular ideals and his outreach to minority communities?a stance that contrasts sharply with the BJP?s firm Hindutva platform. Pawar?s political strategy, especially after his party?s performance in the recent Lok Sabha polls, seems geared toward dispelling the perception that his alignment with the BJP equates to abandoning his secular roots. Notably, three of his NCP candidates, including Nawab Malik in Shivaji Nagar, Sana Malik in Anushakti Nagar, and Zeeshan Siddique in Bandra East, represent minority communities and are campaigning in predominantly Muslim areas.
The tension between Ajit Pawar?s inclusive approach and the BJP?s Hindutva-driven campaign became even more pronounced after the recent assembly session, where Nawab Malik, recently released on bail for medical reasons, joined the treasury benches. Malik?s nomination by the NCP has further irked the BJP, largely due to the controversial legal case involving Malik?s alleged association with a land deal connected to individuals tied to underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim.
The public divergence in messaging between the BJP and Ajit Pawar?s NCP suggests a fragile alliance under strain. With Ajit Pawar reiterating his commitment to secularism and the BJP reinforcing its commitment to a Hindutva agenda, analysts predict that the discord may only grow if Ajit Pawar?s party manages to secure a significant number of seats. How the electoral outcome unfolds could determine the future dynamics of this uneasy partnership in Maharashtra?s political landscape.
