Political Vacuum in Pune: The Search for a New Guardian Minister
The sudden demise of veteran politician Ajit Pawar has created a significant power vacuum in Pune's political landscape, raising the critical question: who will step in as the next guardian minister for this crucial district? This position, which Ajit Pawar held for substantial periods throughout his career, now becomes a focal point of political maneuvering within Maharashtra's ruling alliance.
Ajit Pawar's Enduring Legacy in Pune District
Ajit Pawar's political journey was deeply intertwined with Pune's development. He first assumed administrative responsibilities in Baramati town, part of Pune district, while his uncle Sharad Pawar was engaged in state and national politics. Although Sharad Pawar is widely credited with Baramati's national recognition, the day-to-day affairs and development works were meticulously managed by Ajit Pawar, allowing him to cultivate a robust network of loyal followers.
His formal tenure as Pune's Guardian Minister began between 2004 and 2014 during the Congress-led Democratic Front government. A landmark achievement during this period was his instrumental role in bringing the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to power in the Pune Municipal Corporation, cementing his influence over the city's civic administration.
A History of Political Musical Chairs
The guardian minister post has witnessed several changes in leadership, reflecting the state's shifting political alliances:
- After the BJP came to power in Maharashtra in 2014, Girish Bapat of the BJP took over the responsibility until March 2019.
- Following Bapat's election to the Lok Sabha, BJP minister Chandrakant Patil briefly held the position until the 2019 assembly elections.
- Ajit Pawar reclaimed the role during the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government's rule from 2019.
- When the MVA collapsed and the BJP-Shiv Sena government assumed power, Chandrakant Patil once again became guardian minister.
- In a political twist, Patil relinquished the post to Ajit Pawar after NCP joined the ruling Mahayuti alliance, with Pawar retaining the charge following the alliance's 2024 victory.
The Current Political Conundrum
With Ajit Pawar's passing, the NCP remains part of the ruling coalition, but the guardian minister position is now open. Three ministers from Pune district currently serve in the state cabinet:
- Chandrakant Patil (BJP) – Senior-most minister with prior experience as Pune's guardian minister.
- Dattaraya Bharne (NCP) – Represents Pune district directly.
- Madhuri Misal (BJP) – Another BJP representative from the region.
BJP leader Sandeep Khardekar commented on the uncertainty, noting that discussions about Sunetra Pawar potentially becoming deputy chief minister have complicated predictions. He emphasized that the shock of Ajit Pawar's death has temporarily halted political calculations, though convention suggests the position should remain with the same party within the alliance.
Underlying Tensions and Electoral Battles
The question of Pune's guardian minister unfolds against a backdrop of intense political competition between the NCP and BJP, despite being alliance partners at the state level:
- In December's municipal council elections, the NCP dominated by winning 10 of 17 civic bodies, demonstrating strong rural support.
- However, the BJP countered in January's urban elections, gaining control of both the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations.
- Currently, both parties are fiercely contesting the ongoing Pune Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, battling for supremacy in rural areas.
An NCP leader has publicly urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to appoint an NCP minister, specifically suggesting Dattaraya Bharne, as guardian minister as a mark of respect for Ajit Pawar's legacy, rather than allowing the BJP to claim the position.
This political dilemma highlights the delicate balance within the Mahayuti alliance, where shared power at the state level contrasts with fierce local rivalry. The decision regarding Pune's next guardian minister will not only fill an administrative vacancy but also signal the future dynamics of Maharashtra's complex political landscape.
