Maharashtra Assembly elections—why Ajit Pawar is being 'watched closely'  

Chandigarh, August 20

Not so long ago, the BJP had embraced Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party in the hope of improving political chances and opportunities with the belief that his breakaway faction would become a strong pillar of the NDA alliance in the key state Maharashtra.

While the performance by the Ajit Pawar faction in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections proved otherwise, some of his recent statements appear to be indicating issues beyond the usual seat-sharing ones in the state slated to go to polls later this year.

They indicate attempts at “image change” and perhaps also woo back/reach out to uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar. They are being “ watched closely” by the BJP, which believes that Ajit Pawar is considering a ‘ghar wapsi’ to his uncle’s faction.

Change of image 

However, NCP (SP) leaders suspect the statements to be a part of a “strategy” to change his image ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. 

Criticising Pawar and projecting himself as the real NCP proved counterproductive in the Lok Sabha, so maybe Ajit Pawar has been advised to change tack, they add.

There, however, seems to be another angle.

According to an observer in the know of the current situation in Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar may be able to sustain better in the race if he runs with Sharad Pawar than against him. “Breaking a party that Sharad Pawar worked for and walking away with the name and symbol has not gone down well with NCP supporters, which include minority communities as well,” the observer adds.

What are BJP's fears 

He may not have brought much to the table in the Lok Sabha, Mahayuti’s fears are that if he returns to his uncle’s fold he will do more harm to the saffron side. 

If he goes back to Sharad Pawar it will be with the original party name and symbol. 

The fact is, even without the original party name and symbol, the Sharad Pawar faction managed to do decently well in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and getting them back will add to perceptions and augment chances. 

What Ajit Pawar said 

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar took everyone by surprise when he admitted having made a mistake by fielding wife Sunetra opposite cousin Supriya Sule in Baramati in the Lok Sabha elections. 

Then he said that he told the BJP not to target Sharad Pawar as PM Narendra Modi calling him ‘bhatakti atma’ (restless soul) during the Lok Sabha campaign did not go down well with the electorate. Recently, he also said that he was not keen to contest from the Baramati Assembly constituency, according to reports.

BJP 'watching closely'

According to sources, all his utterances are being "watched closely" by Maharashtra's ruling alliance where tensions are also brewing over seat-sharing.

Apparently, Ajit Pawar’s NCP is demanding 75 seats in the forthcoming elections to the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly which the BJP is reluctant to concede. 

Recently in Pune, Ajit Pawar also faced protests led by a local BJP leader, who accused him of sidelining BJP leaders in government meetings. The statements could be a part of posturing and putting the BJP under pressure for a better seat arrangement, political experts add.