Family Feuds in Maharashtra Elections

Maharashtra elections are heating up with family rivalries making headlines. Close relatives and even immediate family members are competing against each other in several key constituencies. In some cases, fathers and daughters, spouses, and even uncles and nephews find themselves in opposing campaigns, often representing different political parties. This trend has added a layer of intrigue to Maharashtra’s political landscape, with “family power” politics becoming a focal point.

Pawar Family Politics in Baramati Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, representing the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is contesting in Baramati, facing off against his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, who is backed by the NCP (Sharad Pawar). Ajit has a strong track record in Baramati with multiple wins as MLA and MP. The family rivalry here isn’t new, as Ajit’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, also contested against Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter, in the 2024 parliamentary elections but was unsuccessful.

Father-Daughter Showdown in Gadchiroli In Aheri, Gadchiroli, father-daughter duo Baba Atram and Bhagyashree Atram find themselves on opposing sides. While Baba represents NCP (Ajit Pawar), Bhagyashree is contesting on behalf of NCP (Sharad Pawar). Meanwhile, in Aurangabad's Kannad constituency, Harshavardhan Jadhav is competing against his former wife, Shiv Sena candidate Sanjana Jadhav.

Thackeray Clan in Mumbai, the Thackeray cousins are vying for different seats. Aditya Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA, is running again from Worli, while his cousin Varun Sardesai is competing in Bandra. Raj Thackeray's son Amit Thackeray is also in the fray, representing Mahim.

Further BJP Intrigues Other notable family clashes include former Minister Ganesh Naik of the BJP in Airoli, contesting while his son, Sandeep Singh, represents NCP (SP) in Belapur. Meanwhile, ex-Minister Vijay Kumar Gavit of the BJP is running in Nandurbar, and his daughter Hina Gavit, a former MP, is contesting independently from Akkalkuwa.

With families divided along party lines, these unique dynamics are poised to impact the outcome of Maharashtra’s elections, highlighting the complex interplay of family loyalty and political strategy in the state.