NEW DELHI: The death of Ajit Pawar poses multiple challenges for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). With the loss of a key political strategist, the party is faced with decisions on a potential merger with the rival Sharad Pawar faction while maintaining its alliance with the BJP.
Ajit Pawar was cremated on Thursday in Baramati following a tragic plane crash. His passing has prompted immediate questions regarding leadership succession and future alliances. Notably, the party must decide whether to merge with the Sharad Pawar faction, a topic Ajit had reportedly discussed before his death.
Senior party members have indicated a growing consensus around the need for unity, citing past electoral challenges. Narhari Zirwal, a minister in the Fadnavis cabinet, stated that both factions competed together in recent local body polls and recognized the importance of collaboration.
In 2023, Ajit Pawar led a split within the party, aligning with the BJP and Shiv Sena, raising concerns over Sharad Pawar’s leadership. The Election Commission subsequently recognized his faction as the legitimate NCP. The party has now suffered significant losses in recent municipal elections, intensifying the urgency of strategic decisions.
Another pressing issue involves who will take over as party president. Candidates include former Union minister Praful Patel and state unit head Sunil Tatkare. The Pawar family may favor keeping leadership within their ranks.
Additionally, Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s widow and a Rajya Sabha MP, has been suggested as a potential replacement in the Maharashtra cabinet. NCP leaders have expressed public support for her induction, though her prior political activity has been limited.
The future of the united NCP remains uncertain as leaders decide whether to remain in the Mahayuti alliance or move toward the opposition, which could create further divisions among party members.
Source: Reported based on publicly available information from timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
