Sunetra Pawar’s Panel Sweeps Pune Sugar Cooperative Poll, Defeating Sharad Pawar Group

In a major political victory, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) panel led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar swept all 21 seats in the Someshwar Cooperative Sugar Factory election in Pune district. Results declared on Tuesday confirmed a complete defeat for rival groups backed by Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) and a BJP-supported rebel candidate.

The high-stakes poll in the Baramati region the long-standing political stronghold of the Pawar family—marked the first key cooperative sector battle following the passing of former NCP chief Ajit Pawar. Widely viewed as a critical test of Sunetra Pawar’s leadership, the election saw her panel retain control of the factory previously governed by Ajit Pawar’s supporters.

Election Breakdown and Voting Margin

The election recorded an impressive 84.25% voter turnout, with 23,393 out of 27,625 eligible factory members casting their votes.

• NCP (Sunetra Pawar-led Panel): Won all 21 seats, with candidates securing over 12,000 votes each.
• BJP-backed Rebel Panel: Led by Purushottam Jagtap (a 13-year former factory chairman), finishing second with 5,500 to 6,000 votes per candidate.
• NCP (SP) Panel: Backed by Sharad Pawar and campaign lead Yugendra Pawar, trailing in third place with an average of 2,500 votes.

Despite veteran leader Sharad Pawar personally campaigning across drought-affected areas in the factory’s operational belt, his party’s panel failed to gain traction among local farmers.

Tributes to Ajit Pawar’s Legacy

Reacting to the decisive outcome on Tuesday, Sunetra Pawar attributed the landslide victory to her late husband’s enduring legacy in the region.

“This victory is the result of the work Dada has done over the years. The farmers here have honoured his efforts by extending their support,” she stated.

The election results reaffirm Sunetra Pawar’s control over Baramati’s vital cooperative institutions and highlight the NCP’s solid political hold among local sugarcane growers and agricultural communities. Stay tuned to know more about it and others only with us and if you have anything to share do comment below and share your thoughts.