Bitter setback for Pawar

The election outcome has come as a severe blow to Pawar supporters, especially as the factory was controlled by the Pawar family for three decades.

Neelkantheshwar panel8217;s defeat is largely seen as an expression of resentment against Ajit Pawar, whom Sharad Pawar is grooming as his political heir. Reacting to the results of the election, Chandrarao said Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar had ignored the needs of the people, which had ultimately led to the defeat of their panel.

Shetkari panel8217;s victory has shocked Pawar8217;s supporters, more so because Ajit Pawar had successfully headed the election campaigns of three sugar factories in Pune district 8211; Bheema Patas, Daund, Ghodganga, Shirur and Someshwar factory in the past two months.

During the election campaign, Ajit Pawar8217;s panel was forced to go on the defensive as Chandrarao alleged that there were financial irregularities during the tenure of the present board of directors. While Chandrarao made Ajit the target of his campaign, he preferred not to utter a single word against his one time political leader Sharad Pawar. Significantly, for the first time Chandrarao managed to bring all Sharad Pawar opponents together in Baramati.

The Pawar family has personal connections to the Malegao Sugar Factory as the late Govindrao Pawar, Sharad Pawar8217;s father, was one of the factory8217;s founders. He along with the late Dadasaheb Shembekar set up the factory about four decades back.

Sharad Pawar is also a member of the factory board. He, however, did not turn up for the voting.