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Ajit Pawar’s win consolidates his grip over Baramati’s cooperative politics, sending a clear message: his break from Sharad Pawar hasn’t diminished his on-ground strength
The Malegaon victory allows Ajit Pawar to project himself as the legitimate heir to the Pawar legacy—not just by bloodline, but by grassroots acceptance. (PTI)
Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has scored a significant victory in the Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Factory elections, with his Shri Nilkantheshwar Panel sweeping 20 of the 21 seats. Rival panel Baliraja Sahakar Bachav backed by NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar group) could not open its account while senior leader Chandrao Taware’s Shetkari Karmachari Panel managed to win a single seat. More than a cooperative poll result, the victory is a power statement in the ongoing battle between the uncle-nephew duo in Maharashtra politics.
Why The Election Was Crucial
Located in Baramati—the epicentre of the Pawar family’s influence—the Malegaon Sugar Factory is one of the region’s oldest and most powerful cooperative institutions. In Maharashtra, sugar cooperatives are more than agro-industrial units—they are deeply embedded in rural society, with sway over cooperative banks, credit institutions, and most importantly, votes.
Ajit Pawar’s win consolidates his grip over Baramati’s cooperative politics, sending a clear message: his break from Sharad Pawar hasn’t diminished his on-ground strength. On the contrary, he appears to have retained, if not expanded, his control over crucial grassroots networks.
The victory is especially important for Ajit Pawar as he positions himself for the upcoming local body elections and eventually the Maharashtra assembly polls in 2029. With this win, he regains narrative control in a region often seen as loyal to his uncle. The Baramati turf, once a Sharad Pawar stronghold, is now reflecting Ajit Pawar’s growing dominance.
Cooperative leader Chandrao Taware and his son Ranjankumar, who led the Sahakar Bachav panel and are staunch opponents of Ajit Pawar, faced a crushing defeat. Ranjankumar Taware alleged that the victory was won by “undue use of state machinery” and accused Ajit Pawar’s team of coercing voters and flooding the area with resources. “This victory is not grounded in ethics. The deputy CM must remember the promise made to farmers—to offer them the best prices over the next five years. Let’s see if they deliver on that,” he said.
What This Means for Ajit Pawar’s Political Trajectory
With the decisive win, Ajit Pawar has successfully proven that he commands the rural cooperative infrastructure, which is critical for mobilising voter support at the local level. These cooperatives form the backbone of electoral machinery in rural Maharashtra. Control over them ensures better coordination, funding access, and booth-level manpower—assets that will play a pivotal role in local body elections and the assembly polls.
Moreover, this win strengthens Ajit Pawar’s position within the Mahayuti alliance. It boosts his bargaining power for a greater share of seats and strategic influence over government decisions. Politically, the Malegaon victory allows Ajit Pawar to project himself as the legitimate heir to the Pawar legacy—not just by bloodline, but by grassroots acceptance.
Ultimately, the Malegaon Sugar Factory election result is far more than a local victory. It is a major turning point in Maharashtra’s political narrative, symbolising a generational shift in power, a test of grassroots loyalty, and a key step in Ajit Pawar’s ambitious political journey. As both Pawars prepare for the next electoral battles, this contest marks a clear advantage for the nephew—for now.
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with…Read More
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with… Read More
- Location :
Baramati, India, India
- First Published:
