Sharad Pawar and Ajit to lock horns in sugar mill poll, make it prestige battle

The Pawars - Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit - are set to lock horns again for the Malegaon Co-operative Sugar Factory election in Maharashtra's Baramati.

The election might be of little significance in Maharashtra's context, but it has gained statewide attention and has become a prestige battle for the two warring NCP factions.

PRESTIGE BATTLE IN BARAMATI

Ajit Pawar, who is contesting a cooperative sugar mill election after 40 years, has declared that he would become the chairperson if he won the poll. Ajit is leading the Nilkanteshwar panel, who presently control the sugar mill.

The NCP (SP), whose campaign is being led by Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, and Yugendra Pawar, is contesting through the 'Baliraja Sahkar Bachao Panel'.

Another group, the Sahakar Bachav panel, led by Ranjan Taware, is also contesting, making it a triangular battle. The election is scheduled for June 22, with results to be declared on June 24.

Last year's Maharashtra Assembly polls showed that the NCP(SP), which commanded considerable influence in the cooperative sector, especially the sugar belt of Maharashtra, appeared to have lost its footing.

The Pawar vs Pawar clash comes as Sharad Pawar rejected any possibility of an alliance with his nephew for the upcoming local body elections, scotching rumours.

CASH DISTRIBUTION CHARGES

However, ahead of the election, there have been allegations of cash distribution to sway the poll. The Sahakar Bachav panel has alleged that the Pune District Central Cooperative (PDCC) Bank in Amrai was kept open unusually late into the night and cash was being distributed from the premises.

The bank's working hours are until 5 pm.

Panel representative Ranjan Taware questioned the presence of Ajit Pawar's personal assistant, Sunil Musale, at the bank late at night.

"At 11 pm, what official business did Sunil Musale have at the bank?" Taware said. He also claimed that aides of minister Dattatray Bharane were also seen at the location.

"We witnessed Musale leaving the bank in a car. Inside, there appeared to be activity involving the packing of money," Taware alleged.

Yugendra Pawar, Sharad Pawar's grandnephew, questioned why the voter lists were present at the bank. He also pointed out that lists of co-operative and educational institutions were found there as well.

"Perhaps due to the increased load on the bank, it had to remain open until 11 pm," Yugendra quipped.