'Bhabhi Bechari...': Supriya Sule on Speculation About Ajit Pawar's Wife Contesting LS Polls From Baramati

Amid speculations that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar might contest the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections against sister-in-law Supriya Sule from the Baramati constituency, NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader said that “it is not a family fight as anyone can contest polls in a democracy.”

“How can this be a family fight? Anyone can contest elections in a democracy. Why are you bringing my family into this? It is just an ideological fight. I also said yesterday that if they have a strong candidate, then I am ready to talk to that candidate. Whatever topic, time, or place they decide, I am ready to sit down and discuss” ANI quoted Sule as saying.

On being asked about the issues she would be focussing on for the Lok Sabha elections, Sule said the development of the country, corruption, Paytm issues, and electoral bond scheme will remain the highlight of her poll campaign.

Also Read: Pawarplay in Baramati: Who is ‘Greenhorn’ Sunetra Pawar Who Could Throw Down the Gauntlet to Supriya Sule?

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday hinted at fielding a candidate, possibly his wife, from his faction of NCP against his cousin and Baramati MP, Supriya Sule, in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Pawar made an emotional appeal to his constituents to elect a “first timer” who is though surrounded by “experienced people.” His speech triggered speculations about his party fielding his wife, Sunetra Pawar, against Sule from Baramati.

“Since the formation of Maharashtra state and the commencement of elections till date, it has never happened in Baramati that the deposit of opposition candidate was not forfeited. And I am proud of it,” Pawar said on Friday.

On Saturday, visuals showed publicity campaign vehicles in Baramati showcasing pictures of Ajit Pawar and his wife Sunetra with the symbol of the NCP.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea of Sharad Pawar challenging an Election Commission order recognising the Ajit Pawar-led faction as the real Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and KV Viswanathan is likely to hear Sharad Pawar’s plea.

Sharad Pawar had sought an urgent hearing given the February 15 order of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.

Narwekar held that the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar was the real NCP and that the anti-defection provisions in the Constitution could not be used to stifle internal dissent.