The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Daund): As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw near, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) working President Supriya Sule embarked on a unique campaign trail. On Tuesday, the Baramati MP opted for a direct approach to connect with her constituents by traveling via the Pune Daund Demu Local train. This journey between Yavat and Daund Taluka became an opportunity for Sule to listen to the commuters’ issues firsthand and engage in meaningful conversations about their concerns.
This approach is part of a broader strategy by Sule, who has been looking for innovative ways to engage with the electorate. Earlier in the month, she was seen playing badminton with young voters in Baramati, signaling a hands-on approach to her election campaign. The stakes in this election are particularly high for Sule, as she is expected to contest against Sunetra Pawar, her sister-in-law and wife of Ajit Pawar, in a poignant family political rivalry within Baramati.
The NCP, led by Sharad Pawar, experienced a significant split when Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar’s nephew, was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister, aligning with a faction of the party and subsequently nominating Sunetra Pawar as its candidate for the Baramati seat. In response, Sunetra Pawar has been vocal about her commitment to addressing the issues of the Baramati constituency, leveraging her husband’s developmental work as a foundation for her campaign.
On the other side, Sharad Pawar has thrown his support behind his daughter, Supriya Sule, affirming her candidacy for the Baramati Lok Sabha seat under the NCP’s banner. In a heartfelt appeal to the voters, Pawar highlighted Sule’s accomplishments as an MP, emphasizing her reputation for effective representation and service to the community. He urged the electorate to support her by voting for the NCP’s new symbol, “Tutari,” showcasing the intra-party dynamics and the familial contest that characterizes this electoral battle.
This electoral campaign in Baramati is not just a political contest but a narrative enriched with personal connections, showcasing a blend of traditional and innovative campaign strategies, and highlighting the complexities of political families in India’s electoral democracy.