India, Feb. 24 -- On the evening of November 13, 2025, Ambegaon in Pune district was abuzz with political fervour. A massive crowd filled the rally ground, waving party flags and chanting slogans.

Loudspeakers blared campaign songs, and banners bearing the name of Devdatta Nikam, the NCP (Sharad Pawar) candidate, fluttered in the wind. The anticipation peaked as veteran politician Sharad Pawar stepped onto the stage.

In a pointed attack on his former colleague Dilip Walse Patil, who had switched allegiance to Ajit Pawar's faction, Sharad Pawar invoked history.

"Almost 350 years ago, Ganoji Shirke betrayed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Maharashtra did not forget it. Ganoji (referring to Walse Patil) will not be forgiven this time. Those...