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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.

Culture Gaps, Career Traps

Cultural awareness can be the silent game-changer that defines success or failure in today's interconnected business world. Picture this: A well-established entrepreneur walks into a meeting in Japan and confidently offers a thumbs-up, intending to signal approval. Instead, he's met with awkward glances—unaware that this gesture carries negative connotations in Japanese culture. Such missteps, while seemingly minor, can quietly erode business relationships and credibility, ultimately damaging one's personal brand.


Your personal brand isn't just about what you say—it's about how you make people feel. In global business, cultural sensitivity plays a crucial role in shaping that perception. A businessperson who embraces cultural nuances is seen as respectful, adaptable, and trustworthy—traits that instantly elevate their brand. On the other hand, ignoring cultural differences can lead to strained partnerships, lost deals, and even public embarrassment.


For example, in Middle Eastern cultures, building relationships before discussing business is key. A businessperson who rushes into negotiations without first fostering trust may unknowingly offend their counterparts. Meanwhile, in Scandinavian countries, where directness is valued, excessive small talk may appear insincere. Navigating these differences with ease signals competence and respect—both vital for a strong personal brand.


Understanding cultural cues goes beyond greetings and gestures; it extends to communication styles, attire, and even punctuality. In Germany, being just five minutes late can be perceived as disrespectful, while in India, business meetings often follow a more relaxed timeline. Learning these subtle cultural codes enhances your presence and ensures you're remembered for the right reasons.


Cultural awareness also allows you to connect authentically on digital platforms. Social media is a powerful tool for personal branding, but what resonates in one culture may fall flat in another. A humorous post that captivates Western audiences could be seen as disrespectful in conservative cultures. Adapting your content to align with cultural values broadens your reach and strengthens your online presence.


Moreover, understanding cultural norms empowers you to lead diverse teams effectively. A leader who values cultural differences fosters inclusion, encouraging collaboration and innovation. Employees feel heard and respected, improving morale and productivity. In contrast, a lack of cultural awareness can create tension, limiting growth opportunities.


The real power lies in combining cultural awareness with authenticity. Embracing diverse customs doesn't mean losing your identity—it means enhancing your brand by demonstrating respect for others while staying true to your values. By striking this balance, you build stronger relationships, expand your influence, and earn the trust of clients, partners, and teams worldwide.


If you're serious about building a powerful personal brand that resonates globally, cultural awareness isn't optional—it's essential. Don't let cultural blind spots limit your success. With the right guidance, you can master cultural intelligence and position yourself as a confident, respected leader in your field.


I specialize in helping business owners and professionals navigate these complexities, ensuring they present themselves powerfully while respecting cultural differences. If you're ready to build a stronger, more impactful personal brand that unlocks global opportunities, let's connect. Your next big breakthrough could be just one cultural insight away.


I would love to be a part of your journey while you build your personal brand with my help. In order to take this conversation ahead, we could connect over:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyaaadvaani

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suaveu6


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

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