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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.

Fake Influencing Hurts Personal Brands

Updated: Jan 2, 2025

freelance graphic designer

In an era where social media is the go-to platform for showcasing lives, an alarming trend has emerged—people crafting false narratives to mimic influencers. While these curated personas may garner temporary attention, they often erode trust, leaving personal brands in jeopardy.


Consider Bailey, a freelance graphic designer who sought to amplify her presence on social media. Enchanted by influencers who showcased luxury vacations and extravagant lifestyles, she decided to emulate them. Her posts quickly filled with staged photos and captions disconnected from her real life. Initially, her follower count surged, but soon clients started questioning her priorities. Her fabricated online persona clashed with her professional commitments, tarnishing her reputation.


The allure of social media lies in its ability to connect and inspire, yet it often distorts reality. Influencers, armed with professional teams and editing tools, project an idealized version of life that few can genuinely sustain. When people attempt to replicate these images, they risk alienating their authentic selves. This is where personal branding suffers the most.


A personal brand thrives on authenticity. It’s the reflection of your values, skills, and unique identity, both online and offline. While social media can amplify your voice, the message must remain true to who you are. The moment you trade authenticity for imitation, your credibility erodes. Today’s audience, though captivated by glamour, values sincerity even more.


Building a strong personal brand starts with self-awareness. Instead of mimicking others, focus on highlighting what makes you stand out. Are you a problem-solver, a storyteller, or a visionary? These unique traits are your assets. Showcase them consistently and transparently to create a brand that resonates.


The impact of authenticity extends beyond social media. In professional environments, employers and clients often research online profiles before engaging. A cohesive and genuine digital presence fosters trust and opens doors. Conversely, a disjointed or inauthentic persona raises red flags, causing opportunities to slip away.


To counter the pitfalls of social media mimicry, it’s crucial to approach content creation with intention. Share stories that reflect real challenges and victories. Engage with your audience by offering value—be it insights, inspiration, or a glimpse into your process. Authenticity doesn’t mean revealing every aspect of your life; it’s about aligning what you share with your true self.


In the digital age, where perception often precedes reality, authenticity is your superpower. Social media is a tool, not a mirror. Use it to enhance your brand, not dilute it. By embracing your uniqueness, you build a brand that stands the test of time, outlasting fleeting trends and superficial comparisons.


Let Bailey’s story be a lesson. She eventually deleted the exaggerated posts and began sharing genuine content about her creative journey. The result? Clients who appreciated her transparency and followers who found her story relatable and inspiring.


A live example of a similar story as Bailey is me, myself! I personally didn’t like posting on social media at all for that matter. I had a private profile and only posted once in a blue moon. That didn’t quite help me getting a lot many clients. But the moment I identified a fine line of differentiation between how much and what to post, I started getting connected to people globally. Today I serve my clients from 14+ countries and am currently visiting Australia because of my online presence.


As you navigate the noisy world of social media, remember: the most impactful brands are built on truth. When you choose authenticity, you don’t just stand out—you build a legacy of trust and value.


As I travel and explore another part of this world, I shall be sharing insights from my trip too. Connect with me on my social media handles to stay updated with what’s next in store.


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

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