New Delhi: The Maoist-affected district of Gadchiroli has become a surprising focal point for significant political tensions within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recently made a noteworthy admission regarding the impact of family divisions on public perception and his own role in such conflicts. During a recent NCP (Ajit) Jan Sanman Yatra event in Gadchiroli, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar addressed the ongoing rift within his party involving Gadchiroli cabinet minister Dharmaraobaba Atram and his daughter Bhagyashri. Pawar, who had a high-profile split with his uncle Sharad Pawar last year to join the Mahayuti coalition, spoke candidly about the negative public sentiment toward those who cause family rifts.Please do not break families. The public dislikes those who do that. I have experienced it too and accept my mistake, Pawar said. His comments came as a direct appeal to Bhagyashri to reconsider her decision to leave the NCP, reflecting on his personal understanding of the impact of family disputes.Father-daughter rift intensifiesThe family dispute has been marked by strong statements from Dharmaraobaba Atram. Atram has expressed his frustration openly, emphasizing his determination to protect his political position against any challenger, including his daughter. There is only one seat, and I have unsheathed my sword to defend my turf. Whether its my daughter, son-in-law, or any other family member, people should toss such people into the river, Atram declared. He also urged the public to remember his contributions to the development of Gadchiroli, asserting that no one else should claim credit for his achievements.Bhagyashri Atram-Halgekars election plansIn an exclusive interview with TOI, Bhagyashri Atram-Halgekar confirmed her intention to run for the assembly elections from the Aheri constituency, where she will compete against her father. Bhagyashri revealed that her father had previously announced that 2019 would be his final assembly election year, with plans for her to succeed him in 2024. However, the situation changed when Atram was unable to secure a Lok Sabha ticket, leading to friction within the family.Bhagyashri, who has previously served as the president of Gadchiroli Zilla Parishad, explained that her decision to contest the election against her father was influenced by pressure from her supporters. People (the supporters) rallied behind me, requesting me not to back down. I have to fight for them, she said. Her choice to enter the electoral race reflects the support she has received from her constituency and the pressure to stand firm in the face of opposition.Atram family members to clash in upcoming electionThe ongoing conflict within the Atram family has now become a public matter, setting the stage for a high-profile electoral contest between father and daughter in the upcoming assembly elections, expected to take place in November. As the election approaches, the political landscape in Gadchiroli remains charged, with both sides preparing for a significant and closely-watched battle.
