MUMBAI: All speculation about whether Yugendra Pawar will contest the assembly elections against his uncle Ajit Pawar were set at rest on Tuesday with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP issuing an authorization form for him. It is now certain he will contest assembly elections from Baramati against Ajit Pawar, who is expected to file his nomination papers on Oct 28.
Yugendra is the son of Ajit Pawar's brother Srinivas Pawar, currently treasurer of Baramati-based Vidya Pratisthan Sanstha.Ever since Ajit Pawar deserted Sharad Pawar, Yugendra had taken a firm stand against him, saying it was unfortunate he had ditched the octogenarian politician for petty political gains.
Along with Yugendra, NCP (SP) has issued authorization forms – AB forms — to state NCP (SP) president Jayant Patil, Karjat Jamkhed legislator Rohit Pawar, former minister Jeetendra Awhad, Rohit Patil, son of former home minister R R Patil, former minister Prajkta Tanpure, Mumbai NCP (SP) working president Rakhi Jadhav, Prashad Yadav and Rani Lanke, wife of NCP (SP) MP Nilesh Lanke, who defeated Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil's son Sujay from Ahmednagar.
An NCP (SP) leader said while the seat-sharing formula is yet to be finalized, it was felt by the party that if nominees have been finalized, it would be appropriate if authorization forms are given.