Power Game in Maharashtra: Sharad Pawar’s Rajya Sabha Term Ends, 7 Seats Including Priyanka Chaturvedi’s to Fall Vacant

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s political landscape is in flux following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. While it was initially expected that the Pawar family and both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) would unite in grief, divisions appear to be resurfacing.

Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, has assumed his Deputy Chief Minister responsibilities, but the real power struggle is far from over. Leaders of Ajit Pawar’s faction, including Sunil Tatkare, have set conditions that make a merger of the two NCP factions challenging. Tatkare emphasized that the NCP is aligned with the NDA, welcoming anyone willing to join the coalition.

Meanwhile, Sunetra Pawar has resigned from the Rajya Sabha, opening the stage for discussions about succession. Ajit Pawar’s sons, Parth and Jay Pawar, are reportedly in contention for Rajya Sabha seats. Simultaneously, veteran leader Sharad Pawar’s term is ending, creating an opportunity for the third generation of the Pawar family to enter the upper house of Parliament. Ajit Pawar himself began his political journey from Delhi in the Lok Sabha.

Seven Rajya Sabha Seats to Fall Vacant
Maharashtra has a total of 19 Rajya Sabha seats: 12 currently with the NDA and 7 with the MVA. The NCP, led by Sharad Pawar, holds two seats—currently occupied by Pawar and Fauzia Khan—whose terms end on 2 April 2026. Other notable names include Priyanka Chaturvedi, whose term also ends on the same date, as well as Congress leader Rajni Patil, and BJP members Dhairyashil Patil and Bhagwat Karad. With Sunetra Pawar’s resignation, one seat is already vacant, with a term running until July 2028.

The political scenario raises questions about whether Sharad Pawar could return to the Rajya Sabha, although he had previously indicated that this would be his final term. Another key name is Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, whose term also concludes on 2 April.

BJP’s Strength Set to Rise
Following its decisive victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, the BJP and its allies are poised to strengthen their position in the Rajya Sabha. The BJP has 132 MLAs, Eknath Shinde has 57, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP holds 40. Opposition parties include Uddhav Thackeray with 20 MLAs, Congress with 16, and Sharad Pawar with 10.

Speculation is rife over succession plans, particularly regarding whether Parth Pawar will contest the vacant seat and whether Sunetra Pawar will remain in electoral politics or assume a legislative council position. The political activity of Parth and Jay Pawar is expected to increase, signaling the next phase of NCP’s evolving power dynamics.