Parth Pawar to Contest Rajya Sabha Elections in April for Six-Year Term

Pune: Parth Pawar is set to enter the Rajya Sabha, although it remains undecided whether he will take a seat vacated by Sunetra Pawar’s potential resignation or contest one of the seven seats scheduled for elections in April. Sources indicate that Parth Pawar plans to contest in April for a full six-year term.

The passing of Ajit Pawar has reshaped political dynamics within the Pawar family and Maharashtra politics. Amid speculation about the reunification of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Sunetra Pawar has emerged as a frontrunner to succeed Ajit Pawar and assume the NCP presidency. Currently serving as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, she is also expected to contest the Baramati assembly seat, which became vacant after Ajit Pawar’s demise.

Parth Pawar Opts for Full-Term Rajya Sabha Seat

Sources suggest that Parth Pawar does not intend to occupy the Rajya Sabha seat that may be vacated by his mother. Instead, he is waiting for a full six-year term, which will open up after Sharad Pawar’s retirement. Taking the seat now would only allow him to serve until 2028, whereas contesting in April would keep him active in national politics until 2032. The seven Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, currently held by Sharad Pawar, Ramdas Athawale, Fauzia Khan, Dhairyashil Patil, Bhagwat Karad, Rajni Patil, and Priyanka Chaturvedi, are all due for election.

Rajya Sabha Numbers in Maharashtra

Of the 288-member state assembly, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition holds a majority, making it likely for them to secure at least six of the seven seats. Based on assembly strength, 37 votes are needed to win one seat. Uddhav Thackeray’s faction has 20 MLAs, Sharad Pawar’s NCP 10, and Congress 16. The BJP holds 135 MLAs, Shiv Sena 57, and NCP 41, while the MVA collectively commands 233 MLAs. With opposition votes fragmented, the MVA could potentially sweep all seven seats.

Family Dynamics and Political Strategy

On Wednesday, Sharad Pawar visited Ajit Pawar’s residence to meet with his grandsons, Parth and Jay Pawar. This meeting has fueled speculation about uniting the two NCP factions. Sources indicate that during the meeting, Parth Pawar expressed his political ambitions and sought Sharad Pawar’s support, potentially setting the stage for a strategic consolidation in the party. Parth Pawar had previously contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Maval but lost.