Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Elected Unopposed as President of Maharashtra Olympic Association

Strategic Insights -

Ajit Pawar, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, has been re-elected as the president of the Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA) for the fourth consecutive term, amidst a deal brokered by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to avoid a contest against BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol. The decision was announced on Sunday, with Mohol agreeing to withdraw from the election in favor of Pawar. Under the agreement, Pawar and Mohol will take turns to head the MOA, with the four-year term being split between the two leaders. The deal also includes the selection of key posts within the association being given to members backed by Mohol, with the aim of prioritizing sports over other considerations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ajit Pawar has been elected unopposed as the president of the Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA) for the fourth consecutive term.
  • The decision was made after a deal was brokered by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in which BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol agreed to withdraw from the election.
  • Under the agreement, Pawar and Mohol will take turns to head the MOA, with the four-year term being split between the two leaders.
  • Some key posts within the association will be given to members backed by Mohol, prioritizing sports over other considerations.
  • 28 out of 60 members in the MOA were elected on Sunday, with Mohol being elected senior vice-president alongside Adil Sumariwala, Pradeep Gandhe, and Prashant Deshpande from the Pawar-led panel.
  • The remaining members would be selected following discussions with Fadnavis.

Statistics:

  • 28 out of 60 members in the MOA were elected on Sunday.
  • Ajit Pawar has been unanimously elected as the president of the MOA for the fourth consecutive term.

Sources:

  • X (formerly Twitter) - Murlidhar Mohol's post on Twitter
  • Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. (2025)