In fact, so low-key are the heirs that political neophytes outside Marathwada -- Chavan's home turf of Maharashtra -- would find it difficult to trace the dynastic line completely. Chavan's son, Ashok, is the most visible of the two heirs and was accommodated in the Congress power circuit during Sharad Pawar's time as a token acknowledgement of the senior Chavan. Son-in-law Bhaskarrao Patil-Khatgaonkar was given even less space.

Chavan Sr is believed to have remarked once that his political rivalry with Sharad Pawar had cost his family its rightful place in Maharashtra politics. This, everyone hopes,will change in Pawar's absence. But long-time observers say the family somewhat lacks the basic initiative and go-getting attitude that converts closed doors into opportunities; the family may not gain much or make deeper inroads now. Chavan's on-and-off political pal A R Antulay's entry into Marathwada -- he will fight the Lok Sabha election from regional headquarters Aurangabad instead of his home base Kulaba in Konkan region -- queers the pitch for the family.

Of the two heirs, Ashok has not yet walked in New Delhi's corridors of power. Elected for two successive terms to the state legislative council, this will be his maiden attempt for the assembly from Mutkhed. As minister of state for public works, he was the Chavan representative in the cabinet of Pawar and later that of Sudharkarrao Naik in the 90s.

Patil-Khatgaonkar has also held the post of minister of state. He was elected from Biloli assembly constituency twice, once during the Congress rout in 1995. However, he was given the party ticket forNanded Lok Sabha constituency in the 1998 general election which he won and has been re-nominated this time from there.

Chavan's preference for Ashok vis-a-vis his son-in-law is well-known in party circles -- it partly explains his laidback attitude and reluctance to push them in the New Delhi circuit. But if there is ever a choice between the family and outsiders, Chavan is clear that family interests will be protected above all else. It will be interesting to watch how the two heirs will share Chavan Sr's legacy in Marathwada, now that he is gradually retiring from active politics.

--Smruti Koppikar