Ajit Pawar's Death Ignites NCP Merger Speculation in Maharashtra
In the aftermath of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar's tragic demise in a plane crash in Baramati, political circles are abuzz with renewed speculation about a potential merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Close associates of the late leader have come forward, asserting that such a unification was on the brink of realization before the unfortunate incident.
Roadmap for Reunification Revealed by Close Aides
According to insiders within the party, Ajit Pawar had meticulously prepared a comprehensive roadmap for the reunification of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). This plan not only outlined the merger process but also detailed the future trajectory of a united party. The collaboration between the two factions had already been tested during the January 15 civic polls in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, where they contested jointly, and they had decided to extend this alliance to the upcoming zilla parishad elections next month.
Kiran Gujar, a long-time confidant of Ajit Pawar who has been associated with him since before his political entry in the mid-1980s, shared poignant insights. "He was one hundred per cent keen on merging both the factions," Gujar revealed. "He had told me five days ago that the entire process was complete and the merger was imminent in the next few days." Gujar emphasized that positive discussions were underway with senior leaders including Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, with indications that the senior Pawar would endorse the move.
Call for Restraint Amidst Grief
Despite the fervent discussions, leaders from the Sharad Pawar faction have urged caution in public discourse. Senior NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse advised restraint, stating, "Both Nationalist Congress parties will come together... Only three days have passed since the incident, so it would not be appropriate to discuss such matters at this moment." This sentiment reflects the delicate balance between political maneuvering and the need for mourning in the wake of the tragedy.
Gujar, reflecting on the loss, added, "Many positive things were on the cards, but this tragedy struck and took Ajit 'dada' away from us. Now, after his death, it has become even more imperative that both factions come together and work for the betterment of Baramati and the state." He reminisced about Ajit Pawar's early reluctance to enter politics, focusing instead on family and farming, until Sharad Pawar's rise as chief minister in the late 1980s created a need for young leadership in Baramati.
Leadership Vacuum and Sunetra Pawar's Potential Role
Simultaneously, senior NCP leaders have swiftly moved to address the political void left by Ajit Pawar's passing. There is a growing push for his wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar, to return to active state politics and assume leadership of the party, potentially as deputy chief minister. On Thursday, party leaders, including working president Praful Patel, state unit chief Sunil Tatkare, and cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal, met Sunetra Pawar at her residence to offer condolences and urge her to join the Mahayuti government and take charge of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction.
Party functionaries have indicated that a meeting will be convened in Mumbai soon to select the NCP legislature party leader. A senior member noted, "The immediate priority is to stabilise," highlighting the urgency in navigating this transitional period. The development of Baramati and the state at large remains a focal point, with Gujar lamenting, "The development will continue, but a leader like Ajit dada will not emerge again."
As Maharashtra grapples with this significant loss, the political landscape stands at a crossroads, with merger talks and leadership decisions poised to shape the future of the NCP and state governance.
