NCP releases candidate list for Maharashtra Assembly polls; Ajit Pawar to contest from Baramati

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, released its first list of 38 candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled for November 20. The list includes 26 sitting MLAs, with Ajit Pawar himself being renominated from the Baramati seat in Pune district, a constituency he has represented for several terms. This announcement comes as the party gears up for a crucial election following Pawar’s split from the NCP’s founder, Sharad Pawar, in June 2023.

Among the key candidates are several senior NCP leaders who supported Ajit Pawar after his break from Sharad Pawar. Chhagan Bhujbal (Yeola), Dilip Walse-Patil (Ambegaon), Hasan Mushrif (Kagal), and Dhananjay Munde (Parali) are among those who have been renominated. The list emphasizes the continuity of leadership within Ajit Pawar's faction of the NCP, aiming to maintain political stability in the face of the internal rift.

Notably, the NCP has fielded former BJP minister Rajkumar Badole from Arjuni Morgaon in Gondia district. Badole, who recently joined the NCP, has replaced sitting MLA Manohar Chandrikapure, signaling the party’s strategy to attract influential leaders from rival parties. This move reflects the NCP’s focus on expanding its influence in regions where the BJP has previously been strong.

In addition to retaining key leaders, the NCP has also included four women candidates in its first list, demonstrating an effort to promote gender representation. Sulbha Khodke (Amravati) and Hiraman Khoskar (Igatpuri), both of whom defected from Congress to NCP, have been given tickets. Bharat Gavit, the son of former Congress veteran Manikrao Gavit, has also secured a nomination from Navapur, further reinforcing the party’s tactic of absorbing leaders from opposition ranks.

Ajit Pawar’s decision to contest from Baramati comes after much speculation about his electoral plans. Despite earlier reports that he might opt out of running from his traditional stronghold, Pawar confirmed that he would respect the party’s decision to renominate him. He is expected to face a stiff challenge from Sharad Pawar’s grand-nephew, Yogendra Pawar, who is contesting from the same seat under the NCP(SP) faction.

The NCP list primarily focuses on renominating loyalists who have stuck with Ajit Pawar through the party’s split, highlighting his leadership consolidation. The inclusion of figures like Badole and others from rival parties also signals an attempt to strengthen the NCP’s position ahead of the elections. The list appears to be part of a broader strategy to ensure electoral success while minimizing internal disruptions.

Ajit Pawar’s faction is part of the MahaYuti alliance, which includes the BJP and Shiv Sena. Seat-sharing discussions between the three partners are still ongoing, with NCP aiming for a significant portion of the 288 seats. So far, the MahaYuti alliance has announced 182 candidates, with further announcements expected as negotiations continue. The alliance partners are working to finalize a strategy that will give them a competitive edge in the elections.