Baramati Political Showdown: Ajit Pawar vs Supriya Sule in Malegaon Sugar Factory Election
The upcoming election of the Malegaon Sugar Factory has captured the political spotlight in Maharashtra, turning into a fierce battleground between major factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the local Taware group. With Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, MP Supriya Sule, and the Taware panel all fielding their own candidates, the contest has escalated into a symbolic power struggle that extends far beyond sugar politics.
Ajit Pawar, who is spearheading the Nilkanteshwar panel, has made an aggressive pitch to the voters. “I will be the next chairman of this factory,” he declared confidently, promising the highest sugarcane prices to farmers and a turnaround in the factory’s fortunes. “We will bring Malegaon Sugar Factory among the top five in Maharashtra. We have the power to solve the issues of farmers and workers—elect our panel,” he appealed.
A Three-Way Contest: Power, Legacy, and Local Strength
The election has shaped up into a three-cornered contest between:
Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction (Nilkanteshwar panel),
Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction (Baliraja Bachao panel), and
The local Taware group, a traditionally influential force in Baramati politics.
MP Supriya Sule, representing Sharad Pawar’s faction, has actively joined the campaign. She has sharply criticized the current state of the factory and blamed mismanagement for its decline. “This factory is in serious trouble. If you want to save it, support our Baliraja Bachao panel. We are committed to resolving the challenges faced by workers and farmers,” she stated during a campaign rally.
Uncles vs Nephew: NCP's Internal Rift on Display
Interestingly, this election marks another flashpoint in the ongoing tug-of-war within the NCP. While Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar have recently shared stages and exchanged conciliatory gestures, the Malegaon factory election has reignited tensions. The contest is being seen as a direct face-off between uncle and nephew, symbolizing the deeper ideological and leadership divide in the party.
Political observers note that this battle, though localized, carries state-wide implications. The result could reflect shifting loyalties on the ground and redefine the power dynamics within the Pawar-led factions.
As the campaign intensifies, all eyes are now on Baramati—once again the epicenter of Maharashtra’s political intrigue—to see which flag will be hoisted atop the Malegaon Sugar Factory.