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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.

What Elections Teach About Branding



Every four years, the world watches as the U.S. presidential election unfolds—a masterclass in personal branding on the grandest stage. Candidates aren’t just politicians; they are brands meticulously crafted to inspire trust, loyalty, and votes. Their speeches, body language, and digital presence are fine-tuned to create a lasting impact. But here’s the real takeaway—elections may come and go, but personal branding isn’t just for politicians. In an era where perception drives success, professionals and business leaders who neglect their personal brand risk becoming irrelevant.


Think about it. A candidate who fails to communicate effectively, who doesn’t differentiate themselves, or who lacks a compelling narrative quickly fades into the background. The same applies to professionals in any industry. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or someone climbing the career ladder, how you position yourself determines your influence, opportunities, and ultimately, your success.


The parallels between election campaigns and personal branding are striking. First, there’s the power of storytelling. Political candidates don’t just list their achievements; they craft narratives that resonate with people’s emotions and aspirations. The same principle applies to personal branding. Your story—your journey, values, and mission—creates an authentic connection with your audience, whether it’s customers, clients, or potential employers.


Then, there’s visibility. A strong political campaign ensures the candidate is seen and heard across platforms—TV debates, social media, interviews, town halls. In the digital age, professionals need to adopt the same approach. A LinkedIn profile gathering dust, an outdated website, or a non-existent digital presence can be career-limiting. Consistent, strategic visibility builds credibility, establishes authority, and attracts the right opportunities.


Authenticity is another key lesson. Candidates who try to be everything to everyone often lose credibility. The same is true for personal brands. Trying to fit into every mold dilutes your identity. The most influential professionals stand firm in their values and expertise, making their brand an undeniable force in their industry.


The U.S. elections also highlight the importance of adaptability. Candidates must pivot their messaging based on new challenges, audience feedback, and changing sentiments. Similarly, personal branding isn’t static. It requires continuous evolution—upskilling, refining your message, and adapting to industry shifts to stay relevant and impactful.


Perhaps the most overlooked yet crucial takeaway is that a brand is not just what you say about yourself; it’s what others say about you. Candidates invest heavily in managing their reputation. Likewise, professionals must nurture their network, deliver value, and be mindful of their online and offline presence.


Here’s the reality: You don’t need to be running for office to care about personal branding. In a competitive world, your brand is what sets you apart, opens doors, and defines your legacy. Those who embrace it strategically thrive. Those who ignore it risk fading into the background.


If this article made you reflect on your personal brand, it’s time to take action. Don’t wait for opportunities to come knocking—build a brand so strong that they chase you instead. If you’re unsure where to begin, I’d love to help you craft a brand that positions you for long-term success. Let’s make sure your name isn’t just known—it’s unforgettable.

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

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

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