Sharad Pawar, the 83-year-old veteran politician and founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic acumen in the 2024 elections. Despite facing significant challenges, including a split within his party, Pawar has managed to lead his faction to a strong performance. Here is an in-depth look at his strategy for the 2024 elections:
Contents
Overcoming Internal Challenges
- Party Split: In July 2023, Pawar’s nephew, Ajit Pawar, defected to join the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) government, taking 41 MLAs and one MP with him. This split was a major setback, as Ajit Pawar also took control of the party name and symbol14.
- Rebuilding the Party: Undeterred, Sharad Pawar focused on rebuilding the NCP from the ground up. He engaged in aggressive fieldwork, traveling across constituencies to maintain and strengthen his support base14.
Strategic Alliances
- Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA): Pawar played a pivotal role in keeping the MVA alliance intact, which includes the Congress and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). This alliance was crucial in presenting a united front against the BJP14.
- Seat Sharing: As part of the MVA, the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) contested only 10 out of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, focusing on quality over quantity. This strategic decision allowed the NCP to achieve a high strike rate, winning 8 out of the 10 seats it contested14.
Campaign Focus
- Issue-Based Campaigning: Pawar’s campaign focused on key issues such as the rural economy, farmers’ distress, and the jobs crisis. These issues resonated with voters, particularly in rural areas14.
- Maratha Reservation: Pawar capitalized on the Maratha reservation issue, which was a significant concern in regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha. His stance on this issue helped garner support from the Maratha community14.
- Sympathy Wave: The split within the NCP generated sympathy for Sharad Pawar, which he effectively leveraged during his campaign. His narrative of being betrayed by his nephew resonated with many voters14.
Personal Engagement
- Active Campaigning: Despite his age, Pawar actively participated in the campaign, attending over 50 rallies in extreme heat. His personal engagement and visibility were crucial in mobilizing support14.
- Family Involvement: Pawar involved younger members of his family, such as his grandnephew Rohit Pawar, in the campaign. This helped connect with first-time voters and ensured a strong organizational presence14.
Political Maneuvering
- Formation of INDIA Bloc: Pawar was instrumental in forming the Opposition INDIA bloc at the national level, aimed at challenging the BJP. This move positioned him as a key figure in national opposition politics14.
- Strategic Messaging: Pawar’s messaging often put his opponents on the defensive. For instance, he suggested that regional parties might merge with the Congress after the 2024 elections, which drew sharp reactions from BJP leaders14.
Results and Impact
- Electoral Success: The NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) achieved a high strike rate, winning 8 out of the 10 seats it contested. This success was seen as a reflection of Pawar’s effective strategy and leadership14.
- Future Prospects: With his daughter Supriya Sule winning in Baramati and the NCP performing well, Pawar is now looking forward to the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra. His role in the MVA and the INDIA bloc positions him as a significant player in both state and national politics14.
Sharad Pawar’s strategy for the 2024 elections showcases his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, rebuild his party, and form strategic alliances. His focus on key issues, personal engagement, and effective messaging have solidified his position as a formidable leader in Maharashtra and beyond.
