The recent untimely death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has plunged Maharashtra into mourning and has raised significant questions regarding the future leadership of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). With Ajit’s passing, speculation is rife about who will assume control of the party, a situation complicated by ongoing discussions of unification between two factions within the NCP. As the party navigates this crisis, the potential for a power struggle both within the Pawar family and among senior party leaders looms large.
Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, and his son, Parth Pawar, are reportedly in contention for key roles in the aftermath of his death. Analysts suggest that the question of who will lead the NCP is becoming increasingly pressing. Ajit Pawar, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, had previously caused a rift in the NCP by breaking away to form his own party, which he named after the NCP and retained its symbol, indicating his ambition for greater political power. Despite his efforts, his aspirations for the Chief Minister position remained unfulfilled, leading to a precarious situation for his faction.
Currently, Ajit Pawar’s faction holds over 40 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly, while Sharad Pawar’s faction has only 13 to 14 members. Interestingly, relations between Ajit and Sharad Pawar had seen a recent thaw, with discussions about unification gaining traction. With local municipal elections on the horizon in January 2026, there appears to be a willingness from both factions to come together for electoral success, particularly in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas.
As the situation unfolds, Sunetra Pawar emerges as a strong candidate to carry forward Ajit’s legacy, having previously run for a Lok Sabha seat in 2024 and currently serving as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Her active involvement in women’s organizations and social service initiatives positions her favorably among Ajit’s supporters, potentially enabling her to convert their sympathy into electoral support.
Parth Pawar, Ajit’s eldest son, while having entered politics in 2019, has not been particularly active since losing the Lok Sabha elections that year. Nevertheless, he remains recognized within the party ranks as a member of the Pawar family, which may bolster his standing in future party dynamics. Additionally, another prominent name in the race is Dhananjay Munde, a close associate of Ajit Pawar and a strong leader from the Beed district, though controversies may hinder his ascent.
Prithul Patel, a founding leader of the NCP with considerable connections in Delhi, is also in the mix as a potential candidate to stabilize the party in the wake of this turmoil. His administrative experience and national political relationships could be crucial in steering the NCP through its current crisis.
On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly eyeing the situation closely. Local media suggests that the BJP high command is focused on the NCP, anticipating a possible split among Ajit Pawar’s MLAs, with some potentially returning to Sharad Pawar’s camp. As part of their strategic planning, the BJP is considering offering a significant role to someone from Ajit’s family within the state government, potentially bringing Sunetra back into the Assembly. This move could serve to send an emotional message to Ajit Pawar’s supporters while maintaining stability within the alliance.
In conclusion, the NCP stands at a critical juncture, and the coming days will reveal how the party navigates this unexpected leadership vacuum. The decisions made by the Pawar family, alongside the influence of senior party leaders and external political forces, will shape the future trajectory of the NCP in Maharashtra’s intricate political landscape.
