Pune, June 7, 2024 – Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Supriya Sule, who emerged victorious in the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency against her sister-in-law and NCP candidate Sunetra Pawar, expressed her gratitude to her supporters and declared that voters had rejected the “repression” by central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Speaking at her office in Market Yard, Sule, who also attended the INDIA Bloc’s meeting in Delhi on Wednesday, reflected on the challenges faced during the election. “It was a difficult year for us. The election was contested over farmers’ issues, water crises, unemployment, and corruption. The voters have rejected income tax, CBI, and ED. I am thankful to my party workers and the constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi for this victory. The win is their collective success,” Sule stated.
Celebrations and Acknowledgements
The NCP city unit celebrated Sule’s fourth consecutive victory from Baramati with great enthusiasm. Upon her arrival at her office, she was greeted with a huge garland and the energetic drumming of dhol-tasha. Prashant Jagtap, president of the NCP (SP) city unit, along with party workers, welcomed her warmly.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Sule emphasized the need to focus on addressing the challenges facing Maharashtra. “Though I am happy that voters have elected me, more than celebrations, we should work towards addressing the challenges in Maharashtra such as drought, water scarcity, inflation, unemployment, and corruption. My contest was not against any person, but ideology. MLA Rohit Pawar and I will begin a tour of drought-prone areas in the state from tomorrow,” she said.
Future Plans and Political Stance
Sule also commented on the INDIA Bloc’s strategy in the face of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forming the next government. She noted that while the INDIA Bloc has decided to “wait and watch,” there is hope as the Opposition alliance’s seat tally in the new Lok Sabha is “encouraging.”
When questioned about any advice she might offer to NCP chief Ajit Pawar, Sule maintained a respectful stance. “Our culture is to respect elders. Ajit Dada is senior by age and experience, and I will not give any advice to him,” she remarked.
Reflecting on recent political tensions in Maharashtra, Sule advocated for a return to civilised politics, stating, “A lot of ‘tu tu main main’ (squabbling) took place in Maharashtra in recent times, and everyone should follow the state’s tradition of civilised politics.” When asked if Sunetra had called to congratulate her, Sule responded with warmth, “Sunetra is my elder sister-in-law. I always have love and respect for her.”
Symbolic Gestures and Electoral Triumph
To commemorate her victory and the anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation in 1674, Sule garlanded a statue of the iconic ruler.
Supriya Sule defeated Sunetra Pawar by a significant margin of over 1.5 lakh votes, securing 7,32,312 votes against Sunetra Pawar’s 5,73,979 votes, thereby solidifying her stronghold in the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency.
