Pune district, home to over 21 sugar factories—12 of which are cooperatives—stands as Maharashtra's third-largest sugar producer, contributing 12.17 percent to the state's total output, according to the Vasantdada Sugar Institute. Once envisioned as an engine for rural empowerment, these influential sugar industries have now become a potent political tool, shaping electoral strategies and vote banks.
"Operating sugar factories is beneficial," says Ajit, a farmer and factory worker. "Workers and farmers are financially tied to the mills, which also employ people across constituencies." These intricate connections between economics and politics are sharply visible in Baramati, a hotspot for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.
Here, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, contesting under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti banner, is pitted against his nephew Yugendra Pawar, a Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate backed by Sharad Pawar. The Pawars' influence over the region's sugar industry is indisputable.
The Pawars dominate the local sugar industry: Ajit Pawar's career began with his 1982 election to a sugar factory board, while Sharad Pawar's relatives—Rajendra and Rohit Pawar—run Baramati Agro Limited, a prominent sugar mill. According to a report by Maharashtra Times, the companies under Ajit Pawar have bought several sugar factories.
This story is from the November 19, 2024 edition of Business Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 19, 2024 edition of Business Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
39 of World's 100 most polluted cities are from India
China ranks 2nd with 30 cities in S&P Global Mobility survey
One tonne of paddy stubble burnt leads to 20 kg nitrogen loss in soil: Scientists
As Delhi and its adjoining areas reel from a thick blanket of bad air, senior scientists belonging to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have said each tonne of stubble burnt leads to a loss of no less than 12-13 kg of phosphorus, 35 kg of potassium, and 20 kg of nitrogen in the soil.
Air woes: Delhi hospitals see 50% jump in OPD visits, admissions
Hospitals are witnessing a 40-50 per cent surge in patient visits due to respiratory illnesses, including symptoms of bronchitis and breathlessness, with major cities recording a severe jump in air pollution levels in the last 20 days.
New-age firms' growth gains priced in: Analysts
Investors advised to wait a few quarters before betting on these stocks
Rely on credit cards and unsecured loans, build emergency corpus
Handling the financial aspect of a medical emergency is often a daunting task, since it requires coming up with a significant sum at short notice. Households must prepare in advance for this challenge.
Moderated NTPC Green IPO price band with changing market sentiment: CMD
NTPC Ltd, which is the parent firm of the NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL), on Tuesday said it moderated the price band of the initial price offering (IPO) to be in sync with the changing market sentiments.
Sebi notifies pro-rata distribution norms for AIFs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has notified the changes in regulations governing alternative investment funds (AIFs) mandating them to provide investors rights and distribution of proceeds in proportion (pro-rata) to their commitments in the scheme.
BALANCED ADVANTAGE FUNDS REMAIN LOW ON EQUITIES
Majority ofthe larger balanced advantage funds (BAFs) raised their equity exposure in Octoberaftertrimmingthe allocation in the previous months. However, in most cases, the equity exposure remained closerto their respective multi-year low levels.
NeW initiatives, margin gain hopes positives for Delhivery
Logistics major Delhivery has had promising Q2FY25 results.
PE ancl VC companies adjust to longer holds after public listing
Startup IPO boom reshapes their investment strategies
