In Baramati, Maharashtra, political speculation is intensifying regarding a possible 'Pawar versus Pawar' contest in the upcoming 2029 assembly elections. Rohit Pawar, an MLA from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction aligned with Ajit Pawar, claims that elements within the ruling alliance are fostering this rivalry to undermine the Pawar family's long-standing political dominance. His comments come as Sunetra Pawar, the current NCP chief and widow of Ajit Pawar, contests in the ongoing Baramati bypoll following her husband's tragic death in a plane crash earlier this year.

Rohit Pawar pointed out that previous elections have seen family members face off against each other, which he believes is not favored by the electorate. He suggested that if Jay Pawar, Ajit Pawar's son, runs for the NCP while Yugendra Pawar, Ajit’s nephew, represents the rival faction, another internal contest could arise. Jay Pawar has acknowledged local support for his candidacy but has committed to serving the party in a non-electoral capacity for now.

Shrinivas Pawar, Ajit Pawar's brother, dismissed the discussions about the 2029 elections as premature and emphasized the need for family unity. He noted that the political landscape has changed significantly since Ajit Pawar's death, suggesting that younger leaders are still finding their footing. The potential for a merger between the factions remains uncertain, with Shrinivas advocating for internal resolutions rather than external blame. Overall, the Pawar family's political future in Baramati is under scrutiny as they navigate their legacy and the evolving political dynamics in Maharashtra.