Ajit Pawar Tried to Reunite NCP: How His Death Raises New Questions

Pune: Recent developments within Maharashtra politics had suggested the possibility of reconciliation within the Pawar family and a reunification of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). However, the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has cast uncertainty over these prospects. Political analysts note that Ajit Pawar was central to the entire process, and without him, reaching a consensus between the two NCP factions is expected to be far more challenging.

Ajit Pawar had publicly stated that his primary political aim was to bring the two NCP factions together on a single platform. He also emphasized that this effort could only proceed with the guidance and blessing of Sharad Pawar, whom he credited for nurturing his political career and shaping his leadership style.

Maintaining Respect Despite Party Split

Even after the NCP split in 2023, personal respect and dialogue among Pawar family members and leaders of both factions remained intact. Their joint participation in recent local body elections signaled that cooperation between the two sides was still possible. Following these elections, discussions about a formal merger were reportedly set to begin. Former NCP state president Jayant Patil confirmed that multiple meetings had been held with Ajit Pawar on this subject, including a key gathering on 17 January in Baramati in the presence of Sharad Pawar. At that meeting, it was agreed that the factions would contest the local elections as a coalition first, and then consider a full reunification afterward.

A Difficult Path Forward

Ajit Pawar’s sudden death has now altered the political landscape. Without the leader who could maintain balance between the factions, reaching a shared decision will be more difficult. Critical questions remain about the future direction each faction will take. On one hand, senior legislators within Ajit Pawar’s group remain committed to the current Maha-Alliance government and retaining power. On the other hand, several leaders in Sharad Pawar’s faction adhere strongly to the ‘Phule–Shahu–Ambedkar’ ideological framework and are unlikely to compromise.

Thus, any potential reunification of the NCP is no longer merely an organizational matter—it has also become an ideological test. The party now faces a challenge that requires navigating both leadership voids and competing visions for its future.