BARAMATI/ PUNE, 11 NOV The political battlefield in Baramati is set for a significant face-off as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will once again challenge veteran local leaders Balasaheb Taware and Ranjan Taware in the inaugural election for the newly formed Malegaon Nagar Panchayat. This contest marks a crucial rematch following the recent elections for the Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Factory.

The stakes are particularly high for Ranjan Taware, who suffered a defeat in the Co-operative Sugar Factory elections, making this municipal election a matter of prestige for him. A key point of speculation is whether he will contest the Nagar Panchayat election under the banner of the BJP or choose to form a separate Vikas Aghadi (Development Front).

A History of Opposition

Malegaon was established as a Nagar Panchayat on March 30, 2021, having previously been the largest Gram Panchayat in the taluka (sub-district) with 17 members. For over two decades, despite Ajit Pawar's considerable influence, the Gram Panchayat remained outside of his control, largely dominated by the two former sugar factory chairmen, Ranjan Taware and Balasaheb Taware.

While Ranjan Taware’s political grip was seen to have loosened following his factory election loss, Balasaheb Taware secured a narrow victory. The Nagar Panchayat election provides a fresh opportunity for the Taware family to re-assert their dominance.

Challenges for Pawar

The election presents a distinct challenge for Ajit Pawar as well. Besides his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the BJP, the electoral arena will also see candidates from Sharad Pawar's NCP, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, and the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Furthermore, there is reported dissatisfaction among sugarcane growers regarding the cane price fixed after the factory election, an issue that could potentially impact the Nagar Panchayat results and add to the complexity of candidate selection for the Deputy Chief Minister.

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