Sharad Pawar has already kicked off his ‘Mission Tutari’ from Kolhapur in preparation for the Maharashtra Assembly elections. In the Kagal constituency of Kolhapur, he is preparing to field Samarjeet Singh Ghatge, a rebel BJP leader, against the minister from Ajit Pawar’s faction. On September 3rd, Samarjeet Singh Ghatge will officially join the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar. The event is set to take place at Gabi Chowk in Kolhapur.
Just as Sharad Pawar managed to bring leaders from the ruling ‘Mahayuti’ coalition into his camp during the Lok Sabha elections, a repeat of this episode—dubbed ‘Mission Tutari’—might be seen before the Assembly elections as well. ‘Tutari’ is also the election symbol of Sharad Pawar’s NCP.
In the Lok Sabha elections, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) shocked the ruling Mahayuti alliance by winning 30 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP secured only one seat in Raigad, while the Sharad Pawar faction bagged eight seats. After the major win despite the party split, all eyes are now on the upcoming Assembly elections, where Sharad Pawar is strategizing to bring leaders from both Ajit Pawar’s faction and the BJP into his fold.
Sharad Pawar’s Strategy in Kolhapur
Sharad Pawar has already made his first move in Kolhapur’s Kagal constituency by planning to field Samarjeet Singh Ghatge against Ajit Pawar’s minister. Ghatge, a prominent figure from the royal family of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, is a chartered accountant by profession and has a strong influence among the youth. He has been actively involved in the cooperative sector and is the director of Chhatrapati Shahu Milk & Agro Producer Company. Previously, he also served as the chairman of Pune MHADA.
Though Ghatge has been considered a close confidant of Devendra Fadnavis in western Maharashtra, he decided to align with Sharad Pawar after the Kagal constituency was given to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Ghatge reportedly turned down an offer from the BJP to become a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). Despite attempts by BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik to persuade him otherwise, Ghatge remained firm in his decision.
Focus Shifts to Satara’s Wai Constituency
After Kolhapur, Sharad Pawar’s focus has shifted to Satara, where he is reportedly eyeing Madan Bhosale, the son of former Congress leader Prataprao Bhosale. Madan Bhosale was an MLA from the Wai constituency in 2004 but was later pushed aside by Makrand Patil, a leader from Sharad Pawar’s party. However, with Makrand Patil now in Ajit Pawar’s camp, Sharad Pawar is looking to bring Madan Bhosale back into his fold.
Madan Bhosale joined the BJP in 2019 but grew disillusioned due to unmet expectations of support for sugar mills. His daughter is also active in the Wai constituency, making Bhosale a valuable asset for Sharad Pawar.
Babban Shinde’s Return to the Fold in Madha
In the Madha constituency, six-time MLA Babban Shinde, who had previously joined Ajit Pawar’s faction, is now considering returning to Sharad Pawar’s NCP. Shinde and his son Ranjit met with Sharad Pawar last week at his Pune residence. Shinde wants to field his son Ranjit in the Madha constituency, but his nephew Dhanraj Shinde is also in talks with Sharad Pawar’s party, creating a potential conflict.
Harshvardhan Patil Looking for a New Path?
Harshvardhan Patil, who won four consecutive elections as an independent from 1995 to 2009, joined the Congress in 2014 and served as a minister. However, he faced setbacks when Ajit Pawar’s candidate, Datta Bharane, defeated him in the 2014 elections.
There is speculation that Harshvardhan Patil may be considering a move to Sharad Pawar’s NCP. Datta Bharane is unlikely to step aside this time, and Sharad Pawar is reportedly sending subtle signals through his daughter, Supriya Sule, who has expressed sympathy for Patil’s situation.
Junnar Constituency and Atul Benke’s Prospects
Atul Benke, who has been eager to join Sharad Pawar’s NCP since the Lok Sabha election results, has found his path blocked by MP Dr. Amol Kolhe. Benke has met with Sharad Pawar three times and has publicly praised both Pawar and Kolhe in his speeches. His father, Vallabh Benke, who was a four-time MLA, had a close relationship with Sharad Pawar, which may benefit Atul Benke in the upcoming elections.
In summary, Sharad Pawar’s ‘Mission Tutari’ is well underway, with strategic moves to bring disillusioned leaders from Ajit Pawar’s faction and the BJP into his camp as he prepares for the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
