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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.

Bragging or Credibility Building?

Updated: Jan 13, 2025

Credibility

In today’s interconnected world, the concept of personal branding is no longer confined to just a professional resume or social media profile—it’s the culmination of how you present yourself to the world, both online and offline. Yet, many business owners fall into the trap of avoiding sharing their achievements, mistaking it for bragging. This mind-set can quietly erode opportunities to build credibility and establish authority in their field. During my current trip to Australia, a place buzzing with entrepreneurial energy and multicultural business practices, I’ve been reminded of just how pivotal it is to embrace your achievements as part of your personal brand.


Personal branding isn’t about arrogance; it’s about authenticity. Sharing your wins, experiences, and milestones is a way of telling your story. It creates a bridge between who you are and how others perceive you. For instance, mentioning that I am currently in Australia isn’t about showing off—it’s about reinforcing my expertise as a professional who is trusted to deliver value on a global stage. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to let others know that your work transcends borders and that your insights are respected internationally.


This hesitation to share achievements often stems from deeply ingrained cultural or societal norms. Many business owners fear being labelled as boastful, but there’s a fine line between bragging and building credibility. Bragging is self-serving, while sharing achievements with context and humility serves a larger purpose—it inspires, educates, and connects. For example, when I talk about my visit to Australia, I am not just highlighting my visit; I’m also sharing the lessons I’ve learned and the cross-cultural insights I’ve gained. This positions me as a knowledgeable and approachable professional.


When you avoid sharing your accomplishments, you risk underselling your capabilities. In a world where first impressions are often formed online, being too modest can mean being overlooked. Potential clients, collaborators, or even employees need tangible reasons to trust you. Sharing your achievements, whether it’s a successful project, an innovative solution, or a keynote address, provides them with those reasons. It helps people see you as a credible authority in your domain, making you their go-to person.


Moreover, sharing your story humanizes your brand. People connect with stories, not just services or products. During my time in Australia, I’ve had the privilege of interacting with diverse professionals who openly share their journeys—their wins, their struggles, and the lessons they’ve learned. This openness fosters trust and relatability, making their personal brands stronger and more appealing.


To strike the right balance, focus on the "why" and "how" of your achievements rather than just the "what." Instead of merely stating that you’ve achieved something, explain its impact—on your clients, your industry, or even your personal growth. For instance, I’ve found that mentioning how visiting Australia has enriched my understanding of global business practices resonates more deeply than just stating I’m here. It shows thoughtfulness and adds value to the narrative.


Ultimately, your personal brand is an evolving story, and your achievements are the chapters that make it compelling. By sharing them thoughtfully, you invite others to be part of your journey, learn from your experiences, and see the value you bring to the table. It’s not about seeking validation; it’s about positioning yourself as a reliable, knowledgeable, and approachable professional.


As I wrap up my time in Australia, I’m reminded of a simple truth: your achievements are a reflection of your journey, not a measure of your ego. Embrace them, share them, and let them build bridges to new opportunities. After all, in a world that’s constantly looking for authenticity, your story—and how you choose to tell it—can make all the difference. While I share my achievements, I’d also love it if my readers would wish to connect with me if you find value in my content. You could be a part of my network by following me on my social media handles:


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

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