Sat Nov 23 21:43:21 UTC 2024: **Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Ajit Pawar Wins Baramati by Landslide, Mahayuti Sweeps to Victory**

MUMBAI, INDIA – Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and president of a faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), secured a resounding victory in the Baramati assembly seat, defeating his nephew Yugendra Pawar by over 100,000 votes. The Election Commission reported Ajit Pawar receiving 180,233 votes compared to Yugendra Pawar’s 80,233. This win comes five months after Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) secured the Baramati Lok Sabha seat.

The election saw a fierce contest between the two Pawar factions, with both sides employing robust campaigning strategies. Sharad Pawar, head of the opposing NCP faction, had campaigned for his nephew, highlighting Yugendra’s qualifications. Ajit Pawar, however, cautioned voters against emotional appeals.

The larger picture saw a sweeping victory for the Mahayuti alliance, securing over 225 of the 288 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly. The BJP emerged as the dominant force within the alliance, crossing the 130-seat mark. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attributed the win to the alliance’s focus on development and welfare, while BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis stated that the next Chief Minister will be decided by the Mahayuti leadership. Fadnavis also highlighted the success of the central government’s “ek hain toh safe hai” scheme.

The BJP contested 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction 59 within the Mahayuti alliance. The opposition MVA alliance, comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, failed to make significant inroads.

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