Sanjay Raut Predicts Ajit Pawar Will Return to Maha Vikas Aghadi; NCP Factions Likely to Merge Soon

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday claimed that the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will soon reunite, and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is expected to return to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). According to Raut, Ajit Pawar’s heart lies with his family, which is why he will eventually come back.

Ajit Pawar Cannot Sit on Two Boats

Speaking to reporters, Raut stated that the faction led by Sharad Pawar has effectively merged with the Ajit Pawar-led group, as both are contesting upcoming district council and panchayat elections under the ‘clock’ election symbol. While Ajit Pawar is currently part of the Mahayuti alliance, his ties to the MVA remain strong. “Ajit Pawar cannot sit on two boats simultaneously,” Raut said, adding that Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar will reunite under the MVA umbrella.

Background of the NCP Split

In July 2024, Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs joined the then Eknath Shinde government, which caused a split in the NCP. The faction led by Ajit Pawar retained the party’s original name and the ‘clock’ symbol, while Sharad Pawar’s faction is now known as NCP (SP).

NCP Factions Alliance in Municipal Elections

Earlier this month, the two NCP factions formed an alliance for the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation elections, and they have now announced a joint contest in the third phase of municipal elections scheduled for 5 February. The elections will be fought under the ‘clock’ symbol, led by Ajit Pawar’s faction.

Eknath Shinde Frustrated with BJP

Raut also claimed that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is unhappy with the BJP over the mayoral post in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He added that the party’s central leadership in Delhi is unwilling to intervene or compromise.