The recent untimely death of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has cast a shadow of grief over the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). As the party mourns the loss of a key leader, questions arise regarding its future leadership and direction. Speculation is rife about who will take the reins of the NCP following Ajit’s passing. Discussions surrounding the unification of the two factions within the party have now sparked concerns about the party’s survival.
Reports suggest that Ajit Pawar’s faction is strategizing against potential fragmentation, with indications that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has plans to capitalize on the situation. Ajit’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, is reportedly contemplating crucial decisions regarding her involvement in the party’s future. Analysts believe there may be competition not only among family members but also among senior party leaders vying for control of the NCP.
Sunetra and Ajit’s son, Parth Pawar, are currently seen as potential candidates to lead the party. The uncertainty surrounding who will inherit Ajit Pawar’s political legacy has become a hot topic of discussion. The NCP has a storied history, having been founded in 1999 by Sharad Pawar after breaking away from the Congress Party. In 2023, Ajit Pawar staged a coup against his uncle Sharad, leading to a split in the party and forming his own faction, which he renamed NCP, along with its symbol.
Despite his ambitions to rise to chief ministerial status, Ajit Pawar’s aspirations did not materialize as expected. Currently, his faction boasts over 40 MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly, compared to just 13-14 from Sharad Pawar’s faction. Interestingly, relations between Ajit and Sharad had warmed in recent times, with discussions about unifying the factions gaining traction. This collaboration is particularly significant in light of the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for January 2026, where both factions are reportedly preparing to contest together.
If the two factions manage to unite, it is anticipated that Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, will emerge as the successor for his faction. However, the question of who will emerge as the successor from Ajit’s faction remains unanswered. Several names have been circulating, including Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar, alongside prominent leaders such as central minister Praful Patel and OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal.
Sunetra Pawar has been actively engaged in Maharashtra’s political landscape, having previously contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Although she was defeated, she continues to serve as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Her grassroots efforts in social service and women’s organizations have garnered her significant support, positioning her as a strong contender to convert Ajit Pawar’s loyalists into votes.
On the other hand, Parth Pawar, who made his political debut in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, has remained relatively inactive in politics since his defeat. Nevertheless, he is recognized within the party as Ajit Pawar’s political heir. Dhananjay Munde, a close ally of Ajit, is another strong leader who commands influence in the Beed district, although controversies may hinder his leadership aspirations.
Praful Patel, one of the founding leaders of the NCP, possesses significant connections at the national level, which could be instrumental in navigating the party through this crisis. His administrative experience and ability to engage with influential figures in Delhi make him a prominent name in discussions about the party’s future.
Meanwhile, local media reports indicate that the BJP is closely monitoring developments in Maharashtra. There is speculation that Ajit Pawar’s faction may face internal dissent, with some MLAs potentially considering a return to Sharad Pawar’s camp. In anticipation of this, BJP strategists are reportedly exploring the idea of giving a key role in the state government to a member of Ajit Pawar’s family, possibly Sunetra, to send a strong emotional message to Ajit’s supporters while maintaining stability in the broader coalition.
The unfolding political landscape in Maharashtra is both dynamic and uncertain, with significant implications for the future of the NCP and the state’s governance. As party members and supporters await crucial decisions, the coming weeks will prove critical in shaping the political trajectory of the NCP.
