ThePrint ThePrintPod: Why Ajit Pawar returned to cooperative politics, making a routine sugar mill poll a high-stakes battle
Jun 24, 2025
A high-stakes showdown unfolds in Baramati over control of a key sugar factory. Rival factions, including two powerful Pawar families, engage in a fierce battle for influence. The election is not just about sugar; it could reshape Maharashtra's political landscape ahead of local body elections. The competition between established political players and independent candidates adds another layer of intrigue to this sugar mill contest.
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High-Stakes Sugar Factory Election
- The Malegao sugar factory election turned into a high-stakes quadrangular contest between two Pawar-backed panels, a traditional rival, and independents.
- It is a symbolic test of loyalty in Baramati amid the NCP split, signaling the local balance of power.
Sugar Election as Political Litmus Test
- The sugar factory election is a key indicator of who controls Baramati's political loyalty ahead of local body polls.
- Winning would assert dominance of either Ajit Pawar or Sharad Pawar’s factions locally despite recent party splits.
Malegao Factory’s Relative Success
- Despite financial struggles of many sugar factories in Maharashtra, Malegao sugar factory is reportedly doing well.
- Ajit Pawar’s last cooperative election contest was in the 1980s, highlighting his recent return to cooperative politics.