Senior leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically died in a plane crash on Wednesday, January 28, plunging the state’s political landscape into deep mourning and creating a significant leadership vacuum in the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction).
With the Pawar family at the center of political attention in the coming days, questions have arisen about the faction’s future direction, decision-making process, and overall strategy. A key issue under discussion is whether the two rival NCP groups — the Ajit Pawar faction and the Sharad Pawar faction — will reunite.
NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) state president Shashikant Shinde offered an important comment on the prospects of a merger. Shinde recalled past discussions, saying Ajit Pawar had previously indicated that the two factions could come together after the municipal elections and meetings were held toward that end.
“Ajit Pawar was expressing this desire, looking toward Sharad Pawar. Now, with his passing, we will move forward with that intention in mind,” Shinde said, signaling openness to renewed talks.
Earlier, Ajit Pawar himself had hinted at unity at a public meeting, rhetorically asking, “Why do some people feel uneasy at the thought of us coming together?” — a statement widely interpreted as support for reconciliation between the two factions.
Amid speculation over the faction’s leadership, Member of Parliament Sunetra Pawar is expected to be appointed as interim president in the coming days. However, concerns have been raised about her lack of direct political experience and organizational background.
Similarly, questions surround the capacity of Ajit Pawar’s sons — Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar — to take on leadership roles given their relatively limited political experience.
At present, both the possibility of a merger and continued division cannot be ruled out. Some leaders in the Ajit Pawar faction had previously chosen to align with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is being suggested that these leaders might only support reunification under Sharad Pawar if he is amenable to an alliance with the BJP — a stance that could shape future political calculations.
In a sorrowful ceremony marked by deep emotion, Ajit Pawar was accorded state honors during his final rites. His mortal remains were cremated in the presence of family, with his sons Parth and Jay Pawar performing the last rites.
Supporters gathered from Katewadi to Vidya Pratishthan, chanting slogans of “Long live Ajit Dada,” as workers and citizens — including many women — expressed heartfelt grief and paid tribute to his enduring legacy.