By Tejas Navale
Pune, November 29, 2024: The Maharashtra assembly election took place, and in Purandar, Shiv Sena’s (Shinde faction) Vijay Shivtare clinched victory with an impressive margin of 24,188 votes, securing a total of 1,25,819 votes. Interestingly, Purandar stood out as the only constituency in Pune district where the Mahayuti coalition fielded two candidates—Vijay Shivtare from Shiv Sena and Sambhaji Zende from the NCP. Despite the unusual scenario, Shivtare emerged triumphant, defeating both Congress and NCP candidates.
However, Shivtare’s statement amidst the CM post-tussle in Mahayuti stirred controversy as he aimed a subtle jab at NCP chief Ajit Pawar’s long-cherished ambition of becoming Maharashtra’s Chief Minister. “The CM post is a matter of destiny,” Shivtare remarked, seemingly targeting Ajit Pawar, whose supporters have been erecting banners across the state hailing him as the future CM.
Five days after the election results, the CM post remains a contentious issue within the Mahayuti coalition, despite its clear majority in the state. Each party of the coalition is vying for the coveted position for its leader, adding to the tension. Shivtare’s statement has only fuelled speculations, with many interpreting it as a direct comment on Ajit Pawar’s aspirations.
NCP leader Rupali Thombre-Patil did not hold back in her response, rebuking Shivtare for his remarks. The uneasy relationship between Shivtare and Ajit Pawar is well-known in Pune district, despite both leaders being part of the same coalition.
Shivtare and Ajit Pawar have a history of political rivalry that dates back to 2019. During the Lok Sabha election that year, Shivtare made sharp criticisms on Pawar while campaigning against Parth Pawar, in Maval. Ajit Pawar retaliated in the 2019 Assembly election, openly challenging Shivtare and ensuring his defeat in Purandar.
After that, both leaders had quiet but secret tussle going on, initially in the Mahavikas Aghadi government and then in the Mahayuti government. But, in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the animosity between two leaders resurfaced again. Ahead of the Lok Sabha election, Shivtare initially signalled rebellion against Ajit Pawar’s wife in Baramati, wanting to stand independently, but eventually withdrew under pressure from Mahayuti leaders. Despite stepping back then, the bitterness lingered.
In the recent Assembly election, Ajit Pawar once again fielded a candidate against Shivtare in Purandar, which reportedly left Shivtare upset. However, this time, Shivtare fought back with determination, defying the odds and emerging victorious. Shivtare’s recent statement might once reignite the simmering tensions between him and Ajit Pawar.
