The Maha Picture | Ajit Pawar Skips RSS Memorial Visit: Calculated Decision or Election Strategy?

Ajit Pawar's decision to skip the RSS memorial has led to significant discontent among the RSS and BJP ranks. (Image: PTI)

One of the reasons behind Ajit Pawar skipping the RSS memorial visit could be a desire to avoid alienating his voter base ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The recent visit of Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar to Nagpur has sparked controversy due to his decision not to pay respects at the Hedgewar Memorial, the founding site of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Pawar’s absence, while Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis attended the memorial during their joint visit for the ‘CM Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme event, has not been well-received within the RSS.

Sources reveal that Ajit Pawar was reportedly encouraged to visit the RSS headquarters to bridge the gap between his party and the RSS. However, his decision to skip the memorial has led to significant discontent among the RSS and BJP ranks. This is the second time Pawar has avoided visiting the RSS HQ in Nagpur. During the previous winter session, shortly after he joined the Mahayuti government, Pawar declined to attend the RSS HQ visit, where all Mahayuti MLAs were invited.

It is no longer a secret that the RSS has been uncomfortable with Ajit Pawar’s inclusion in the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Compounding the strain is the NCP’s underwhelming performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the party managed to secure just one seat.

Political Calculations?

One of the reasons behind Ajit Pawar skipping the visit could be a desire to avoid alienating his voter base ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Pawar has been traveling extensively across the state to regain public confidence after the Lok Sabha debacle. His biggest challenge is convincing voters to support him instead of the NCP faction led by his uncle, Sharad Pawar.

Some political analysts, however, believe that Ajit Pawar is playing it safe. They point to his recent statements, particularly one where he admitted that fielding his wife Sunetra Pawar against his sister Supriya Sule was not a wise decision. These analysts suggest that Pawar may be keeping his options open and, thus, chose not to visit the Hedgewar Memorial as a calculated move.

Ajit Pawar is also rumoured to be eyeing the Katol Assembly seat in Vidarbha, a constituency traditionally contested by the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). The seat is currently held by former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, an incumbent MLA from the area. Pawar is reportedly bargaining hard for this seat, but local BJP cadre are opposed to giving it up, as the BJP has also traditionally contested it.

A recent survey conducted by the RSS-backed magazine Weekly Vivek revealed dissatisfaction among BJP workers with Ajit Pawar’s inclusion in the Mahayuti government. The survey, which involved interviews with BJP cadres at booth and neighbourhood levels, found that many felt Pawar was not a natural ally like Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. They also expressed frustration over reports that Ajit Pawar prioritises the files of his own MLAs while delaying those of BJP members.

There is growing concern in government circles about delays caused by a key member of the high-power committee appointed to handle OBC issues. This officer, from the Finance Department, has reportedly been withholding financial approvals, a point of tension that some attribute to Ajit Pawar’s influence.

Ajit Pawar faces the daunting task of improving his party’s performance while maintaining a delicate balance between his secular image and his alliance with the BJP and Shiv Sena. Whether the voters of Maharashtra will back Pawar or see him as a liability to the BJP-Sena alliance, remains to be seen in the upcoming Assembly elections.