Among the various losses for senior Pawar, the loss of control over co-operatives in Maharashtra to his nephew Ajit Pawar is particularly troubling.
In Baramati alone, Ajit’s wife is receiving support from many cooperators, thereby bolstering her chances in the election.
“Almost all the cooperative institutions in the area are under the control of Ajit Pawar, whose wife Sunetra Pawar is the NCP’s Baramati candidate fighting against NCP (SP)’s Supriya Sule, the sitting MP,” local media reports say.
Ajit managed and nurtured the constituency for his uncle until they parted ways. Since the split, locals have placed more faith in Ajit, who has remained in touch with them.
As for how far Ajit’s influence overshadows that of senior Pawar, only the election results will tell.”