Modi Missing, It Is Pawar Vs Pawar In Baramati

Maharashtra's Baramati constituency is witnessing a high-octane battle between the sitting MP Supriya Sule and NCP's Sunetra Pawar, whose husband Ajit Pawar recently cut political ties with uncle Sharad Pawar.

- ABHIJIT LELE

Baramati, which goes to polls on Tuesday, is one of the few constituencies where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma will not be a factor.

The electoral battle is shaped by a slew of local factors as well as the ongoing tussle between the two Pawar factions. On one hand, is the elder Pawar's legacy and Sule's ground-work over three terms as an MP. On the other is Ajit's influence on the co-operatives. According to a police officer, voters are disillusioned with the vicious politics played out in recent years, which he an IT hub. "This certainly is a matter says could hurt voter turnout.