MUMBAI: A big boost to the leadership of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, her panel has scored a significant political victory in Baramati after winning all 21 seats in the Someshwar Cooperative Sugar Factory election.
The result represents a major success for Sunetra Pawar’s camp in a contest involving rival political groups, including a panel backed by Sharad Pawar and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), led by Yugendra Pawar. Sunetra Pawar has passed the first political litmus test on her home ground – Baramati.
The BJP-backed panel also sought to challenge the existing political dominance at the cooperative sugar factory. However, Sunetra Pawar’s panel emerged victorious, securing a clean sweep in the election.
The Someshwar Cooperative Sugar Factory result carries significance beyond the management of the cooperative institution. Sugar factories have historically played an important role in western Maharashtra’s rural economy and political landscape, bringing together sugarcane growers, agricultural workers, local businesses and elected representatives.
Reacting to the victory at the factory, DCM Sunetra Pawar said that the victory in the Someshwar Cooperative Sugar Factory election was a recognition of the hard work her late husband, Ajit Pawar, had put in over the last 34 years. She said this cooperative sugar factory had offered the highest rate for farmers’ sugarcane.
“Late Ajit Pawar worked hard for the last person in society and the poorest of the poor farmers. The farmers connected with this sugar factory have reposed their faith in our leadership. The farmers’ trust is very important,” Sunetra Pawar said.
This election victory is significant because control over cooperative institutions can provide an organisational platform for maintaining contact with farmers and strengthening grassroots networks. The Someshwar factory victory is important in that aspect.
Ajit Pawar had maintained considerable influence over the factory during his political career. Sunetra Pawar’s latest victory strengthens her camp’s position in the cooperative sector and reinforces its organisational presence in Baramati.