Katsura Kogoro vs Sharad Pawar

Katsura Kogoro, along with Takasugi Shinsaku, helped form the Kiheitai, a mixed-class militia in Choshu. This force was instrumental in modernizing Choshu's military and challenging the shogunate. Katsura's political skills helped secure support for the militia.

Katsura, representing Choshu, negotiated the secret Satsuma-Choshu Alliance with Saigo Takamori of Satsuma. This alliance united the two most powerful anti-shogunate domains, providing the military and political foundation for the Meiji Restoration.

Katsura played a key role in the Meiji Restoration, which restored imperial rule and ended the Tokugawa shogunate. He served in the new Meiji government, helping to draft the Charter Oath and implement reforms. His political acumen was crucial to the transition.

Katsura served as the third Prime Minister of Japan from 1873 to 1874. During his tenure, he oversaw the implementation of the conscription law and the land tax reform. He also dealt with the Seinan War (Satsuma Rebellion) aftermath.

Pawar became Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the first time in July 1978, leading a Progressive Democratic Front government. At 37, he was the youngest Chief Minister of the state, marking the beginning of his long political career.

Pawar became Chief Minister for a second time in June 1988, leading the Indian National Congress government. He served until 1991, focusing on cooperative sector development and agricultural reforms.

Pawar became Chief Minister for a third time in March 1993, serving until 1995. His tenure included the aftermath of the 1993 Mumbai bombings and the implementation of economic liberalization policies in the state.

Pawar founded the Nationalist Congress Party in June 1999 after being expelled from the Indian National Congress for challenging Sonia Gandhi's leadership. The NCP became a major political force in Maharashtra and a key coalition partner.

Pawar became Chief Minister for a fourth time in October 1999, leading a Congress-NCP coalition government. He served until 2003, focusing on water management and the development of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

Pawar served as Union Minister of Agriculture and Food Processing Industries from 2004 to 2014 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He implemented the National Food Security Act and oversaw agricultural reforms during a period of high food inflation.

Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar led a rebellion in July 2023, joining the BJP-Shiv Sena government. In 2024, the Election Commission recognized Ajit Pawar's faction as the real NCP, awarding it the party symbol. Sharad Pawar's faction was reduced to a minority.