For numerous decades, Baramati constituency has been a stronghold for Sharad Pawar, whose resilience in the face of political upheaval has cemented his prominence in national discourse. The locale in Pune district, Pawar’s homeland, has intertwined with his familial heritage. Presently, Pawar entrusts his political mantle to his daughter, Supriya Sule, as he approaches the later stages of his career.
Sharad Pawar’s tenure in the Lower House of Parliament from Baramati spans several years, with successful elections in 1984, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2004. His daughter Supriya followed suit, earning victories in 2009, 2014, and 2019 elections.
The Pawar family’s influence is felt strongly, with their name carrying significant weight among the electorate across Baramati’s six Assembly constituencies: Daund, Indapur, Baramati, Purandar, Bhor, and Khadakwasla. Even Ajit Pawar, who now opposes his uncle Sharad, has secured his position from this seat. The emergence of the BJP and its growing popularity has shifted many political dynamics, challenging traditional strongholds in Indian politics.
Beyond Baramati, another noteworthy seat in the western region is Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh, a bastion of the Indian National Congress, due in part to former Chief Minister Kamal Nath.
Kamal Nath’s journey from Chhindwara began in 1980 with the Congress (Indira) ticket and continued unimpeded, reaping electoral success in 1989, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 elections. His wife, Alka Nath, secured a victory in the 1996 elections. In 2019, Kamal Nath’s son, Nakul Nath, was elected from Chhindwara. The BJP’s lone triumph in the area came in 1997, with Sunder Lal Patwa’s election. Nonetheless, the region remains largely a stronghold of Kamal Nath’s family, with Congress again backing Nakul Nath against BJP’s Vicky Bunty Sahu.
The ultimate fate of Supriya and Nakul, as they endeavor to uphold their family legacies in the face of the BJP’s resurgence, remains an enigma.
Another area tethered to a specific family in the western region is Beed in Maharashtra, presently represented by Pritam Munde. The Munde family has a formidable presence in Beed, despite the late Gopinath Munde first being elected as an MP in the 2009 polls.
Gopinath Munde won again in 2014; however, following his passing, his daughter Pritam Munde triumphed in the by-election and later secured victory in 2019. This election cycle, however, the BJP has nominated Pritam’s sister and former Maharashtra Minister, Pankaja Munde.
The Thackeray family, another political dynasty in Maharashtra, commands influence over Mumbai. Though Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray never sought office, his party exercised dominance over the city, which comprises six Lok Sabha seats.
None of the Thackeray family members have contested Lok Sabha elections, while Bal Thackeray’s grandson Aaditya secured a win from Worli in the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
However, for the upcoming elections, Amit Thackeray, son of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, may be put forth for the Mumbai South constituency.
Other powerful families in Maharashtra politics with influence over Nashik, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg include the Bhujbal and Rane families. This cycle, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Narayan Rane may vie for a seat from Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, while Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal might stand from Nashik.
