NCP's Ajit Pawar tastes bitter defeat in sugar belt

PUNE: In a politically significant development, NCP member Ajit Pawar-led panel lost the election to the board of directors of Malegaon sugar cooperative factory in Pune's Baramati taluka, denting the traditional domination of the Pawar family in the state's powerful sugar lobby .

The Pawar-dominated panel had held control of the factory for last seven years before losing it to the one fielded by Chandrarao Tawre, once considered a close associate of NCP president Sharad Pawar.

Tawre's 'Sahakar Bachav' panel defeated the Pawar-led 'Neelkantheshwar' panel last night, winning 15 of out of 21 seats to wrest control of the powerful cooperative sugar factory , according to reports received .

The election result is likely to have a fall-out on the polls to be held in other sugar cooperative factories in the region.

NCP spokesman Ankush Kakde, when asked to react, said the NCP as a party was not involved in the elections and it was centred mainly around "local issues" of the farmers.

Another NCP member and MLC Jaideo Gaikwad termed the elections result as "surprising", saying it was "beyond comprehension" to understand it as Sharad Pawar had contributed greatly to the welfare of agriculturists.