Ajit Pawar, aligning himself with the BJP-led NDA, is navigating the delicate balance of retaining Muslim support while forging ahead with his political alliance. Recognizing the historical backing the NCP has enjoyed from the Muslim community, Ajit and his wife Sunetra have been actively engaging with members, particularly in their stronghold of Baramati.

One aspect of this outreach involves assuring the community that Ajit remains committed to secularism and has joined the NDA to advance Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda strategically. The BJP, too, emphasizes that its partnership with Ajit Pawar’s NCP is pragmatic rather than ideological.

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In a recent move, the Ajit Pawar faction welcomed ex-Congress MLA Baba Siddiqi into the party, positioning him as its Muslim representative. Furthermore, Ajit and Sunetra recently addressed a rally of Muslims in Baramati, where Sunetra visited religious sites including a dargah, a church, a gurdwara, and temples.

Seat-sharing negotiations among NDA partners are ongoing, with Ajit Pawar’s NCP eyeing key constituencies like Baramati, Shirur, Satara, and Raigad, all previously held by the unified NCP. These constituencies have significant Muslim populations, making up around 10% of the electorate. At a recent rally, Ajit and Sunetra highlighted their commitment to developing infrastructure and addressing community needs, such as providing additional land for a Muslim burial ground.

Ajit reassured the Muslim community of his party’s dedication to social justice and secularism, promising increased budgetary allocations for their progress under an NDA government. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect among different castes and religions, drawing inspiration from historical figures like Maratha king Shahu Maharaj, reformer Jyotiba Phule, and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

By upholding the NCP’s secular ethos, Ajit follows in the footsteps of his uncle, Sharad Pawar, who has consistently steered clear of Hindutva politics. Despite considerations of aligning with the BJP, Sharad Pawar’s commitment to secularism has remained steadfast over the years.

As the Baramati contest, the first since the NCP split, gains momentum, Sharad Pawar has been actively engaging with the community during the ongoing Ramzan month, recognizing the significance of retaining support in this crucial constituency.