India, June 18 -- With Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar entering the election fray for the Malegaon Co-operative Sugar Factory in Baramati, a contest in a relatively small local institution has drawn state-wide attention. The election, scheduled for June 22, has become a matter of prestige for Ajit Pawar, especially given his ongoing power struggle with his uncle, Sharad Pawar, resulting in multiple meetings with shareholding sugarcane farmers.

90 candidates are contesting for 21 seats on the factory's governing body, with four panels in the race. Ajit Pawar is leading the Nilkantheshwar Panel, while the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) is backing the Baliraja Panel. The Sahakar Bachav Panel is headed by veteran co-...