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By:

Rajendra Pandharpure

15 April 2025 at 2:25:54 pm

BJP eyes chances in Western Maharashtra after the Pawars

The death of Ajit Pawar has unsettled western Maharashtra, leaving the BJP cautiously biding its time Pune: Western Maharashtra has long been Indian politics in miniature: dense with sugar cooperatives, caste arithmetic, money and muscle power. For decades it was shaped by one extended family – the Pawars - whose writ ran from district banks to dairy unions and from assembly halls to village panchayats. The sudden death of Ajit Pawar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) strongman and...

BJP eyes chances in Western Maharashtra after the Pawars

The death of Ajit Pawar has unsettled western Maharashtra, leaving the BJP cautiously biding its time Pune: Western Maharashtra has long been Indian politics in miniature: dense with sugar cooperatives, caste arithmetic, money and muscle power. For decades it was shaped by one extended family – the Pawars - whose writ ran from district banks to dairy unions and from assembly halls to village panchayats. The sudden death of Ajit Pawar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) strongman and Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, has jolted this ecosystem. The aftershocks are being felt most keenly not by his rivals, but by his ally, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that has long coveted the region. Maharashtra’s politics has always been regionally segmented. The BJP is entrenched in north Maharashtra; it has broken through spectacularly in Mumbai, including wresting control of the municipal corporation; Vidarbha remains Congress-leaning while Marathwada is competitive and volatile. Family Bastion Western Maharashtra, by contrast, has remained been the Pawars’ citadel. Control over cooperatives, especially sugar, has translated into rural loyalty, financial muscle and electoral dominance. The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, thrived on this architecture. The BJP, despite its national rise, has struggled to crack it. Rather than dislodge the system, the BJP sought to co-opt it. Disaffected satraps were inducted like Udayanraje Bhosale in Satara; the Mahadiks in Kolhapur; the Mohite-Patils in Solapur. Local strongmen such as Rahul Kul in Pune district were elevated and veterans like Harshvardhan Patil were brought in, if only briefly. The idea was to gradually bleed the undivided NCP led by patriarch Sharad Pawar. That effort has intensified as the BJP eyes an audacious goal: returning to power in Maharashtra on its own in the 2029 Assembly election. For that to happen, western Maharashtra is indispensable. It is no accident that the Modi government had created a new Union ministry of cooperation, handing it to Amit Shah. Cooperatives are the region’s political bloodstream. After the 2024 general election, Muralidhar Mohol, elected from Pune, was made minister of state in the same department. He was also informally tasked with western Maharashtra in a clear signal of the BJP’s strategic focus. Mohol’s brief was daunting: contain both Pawars. Sharad Pawar’s stature as a national deal-maker and Ajit Pawar’s grip on local machinery made them a formidable duo even when divided. Yet, the recent municipal contests in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad hinted at change. When both Pawars campaigned together, the BJP still managed to defeat them, suggesting that the old formula no longer guaranteed victory. Uncertain Times Then came the plane crash on January 28 leading to Ajit Pawar’s tragic death. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, was sworn in as deputy chief minister, an act of continuity intended to steady the ranks. While public sympathy is palpable, it has nothing to do with organisation. Sunetra Pawar will need time to command the networks her husband once ran by instinct. Her early gestures like visiting Karad to pay homage to Yashwantrao Chavan and invoking the legacy of Phule, Shahu and Ambedkar signal an attempt to anchor the party in its progressive tradition. Whether that rhetoric can substitute for Ajit Pawar’s authority is uncertain. Uncertainty abounds elsewhere too. Rumours swirl of a rapprochement or even a merger between the rival NCP factions. One scenario has Supriya Sule entering the Union cabinet. Another asks a more existential question: could Sharad Pawar, architect of Maharashtra’s secular, centrist politics, ever align formally with the BJP’s Hindutva project? His reported unease with a recent India–America trade agreement has fuelled speculation among supporters already anxious about ideological drift. Against this haze, the BJP’s restraint is striking. Rather than rushing to exploit the moment, it has preferred to wait and watch. The party knows that western Maharashtra is not won in a season. Cooperative elections, local bodies and caste coalitions move slowly. For now, the BJP is content to let the Pawars recalibrate, to allow factions to test their strength, and to intervene only when the contours are clearer. In a region where politics has long been about inheritance, Ajit Pawar’s absence has exposed how fragile even the most entrenched systems can be. The BJP senses opportunity, but is also aware of the attendant risks. Its wait-and-watch posture reflects a calculation born of experience. And in western Maharashtra, patience can be a weapon.

Authenticity Fuels Personal Branding

Updated: Nov 25, 2024

Authenticity

In a world saturated with polished pitches and perfectly curated social media feeds, authenticity stands out as a rare and invaluable trait. For business owners, it’s not just a niceto-have quality—it’s the cornerstone of a strong personal brand. Authenticity isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up as your true self, consistently and confidently, both online and offline. It’s what turns fleeting impressions into lasting trust and casual connections into meaningful relationships.


Many business owners fall into the trap of thinking personal branding is about projecting an image that aligns with what they believe their audience wants to see. But the truth is, people crave realness. They want to connect with leaders who are honest, relatable, and unapologetically themselves. Authenticity doesn’t mean baring your soul to the world or sharing every detail of your life. It means aligning your actions, values, and words in a way that creates a cohesive and genuine representation of who you are.


Take, for example, a small business owner who runs a café. Instead of showcasing only glossy images of perfect lattes, they share their story—how they struggled to start the business, the lessons they learned, and the values that guide them. They interact warmly with customers, remember regulars by name, and celebrate their team’s contributions publicly. Over time, their authenticity earns them a loyal following, not just for their coffee but for the trust and connection they inspire.


Online, authenticity means more than just posting polished achievements or motivational quotes. It’s about sharing your journey, including the setbacks and lessons that shaped you. A business owner who opens up about the challenges behind their successes fosters a deeper connection with their audience. Vulnerability, when shared thoughtfully, creates relatability and inspires trust. People don’t just follow brands; they follow stories. And the most compelling stories are the ones rooted in truth.


Offline, authenticity takes on an even more powerful role. It’s easy to craft a certain image behind a screen, but how you show up in person solidifies or contradicts what people perceive online. Whether you’re at a networking event, leading a team meeting, or negotiating a deal, staying true to your values and being genuine in your interactions leave a lasting impression. It’s the small things—how you listen attentively, keep your promises, or acknowledge others’ contributions—that build your reputation as someone worth trusting.


When authenticity becomes the foundation of your personal brand, it creates opportunities for growth in ways that marketing tactics alone cannot. Trust is the currency of modern business, and authenticity is how you earn it. Clients are drawn to business owners who exude sincerity and integrity, knowing they can depend on them. Employees are inspired by leaders who remain grounded and transparent, creating an environment of respect and loyalty. Partners value collaboration with those who prioritize honesty over appearances.


Beyond professional success, authenticity gives business owners a sense of alignment and purpose. It forces you to reflect on who you are, what you stand for, and what kind of legacy you want to leave behind. Personal branding isn’t just about gaining visibility or standing out in a crowded market; it’s about being remembered for the right reasons. It’s about creating a story that people want to be a part of, one that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impact.


As you embrace authenticity, you’ll find that your personal brand grows not just in recognition but in value. You won’t just be seen—you’ll be trusted, respected, and remembered. And in the end, isn’t that what every business owner truly wants?


Are you wanting to build an authentic personal brand but don’t know how to start? You may feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyaaadvaani


(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

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