Ajit Pawar Secures Lead in Malegaon Election; Cross-Voting May Impact Final Results

In a significant development in the Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Factory elections, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has secured a strong lead, winning the Class B category with a decisive margin. However, the full outcome remains uncertain as results for other categories are yet to be declared, and allegations of cross-voting have surfaced.

The election was held on June 22, 2025, and saw the participation of prominent leaders including Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule, both of whom cast their votes. Notably, Sharad Pawar, despite being a key figure in the region’s cooperative politics, chose not to vote.

With the counting of votes now underway, the election has reached a decisive but still unfolding stage. Ajit Pawar has registered a resounding victory in the Class B group, receiving 91 votes, while his rival Bhalchandra Devkate of the Sahakar Bachao Panel garnered only 10 votes.

This year’s election has witnessed an intense multi-cornered contest involving four major panels:

• The Nilkantheshwar Panel led by Ajit Pawar

• The Baliraja Bachao Panel led by Sharad Pawar and Yugendra Pawar

• The Sahakar Bachao Panel led by Chandrarao Taware

A total of 90 candidates are in the fray, with over 19,000 registered voters. The election saw an impressive 88.48% turnout, reflecting the high stakes and local engagement.

While Ajit Pawar’s lead is undeniable in the early rounds, preliminary reports suggest instances of cross-voting that could potentially alter the final results. These developments have injected an element of uncertainty, with the possibility of unexpected twists as the counting continues.

The complete outcome will only be clear once results from the remaining 20 seats are announced. Observers are watching closely to see how the reported cross-voting might influence the overall balance of power in one of Maharashtra’s most closely watched cooperative elections.