Tawre, a close associate-turned-rival of Pawar, is the chairman of the Malegaon sugar cooperative and enjoys a large following in the Baramati region, the bastion of the Pawars. Tawre established his supremacy on the Malegaon cooperative about two years ago after differences over the working style of Ajitdada.

Tawre figures in the BJP-Sena list as the combine's sponsored candidate against Ajitdada. The Congress has skillfully allotted the seat to RPI(Gavai) following the latter's insistence. However, RPI(Gavai) failed to nominate its candidate on Tuesday, the last date for the filing of nominations. Thus, the Congress-RPI alliance are effectively supporting Tawre. Sources in the Congress heresaid that Ajitdada, who was aspiring for the chief minister's post and planning to travel extensively in the state, has to stay put at Baramati for his survival.

Of the 288 assembly constituencies, it is only the Baramati seat that will see a direct fight. Anti-Pawar forces have made this seat a real prestige issue and are confident of effecting a big surprise.

The Nationalist Congress Party has, meanwhile, strongly criticised the Congress for aligning with the "communal" Sena-BJP alliance in Baramati.