The political landscape of Maharashtra was poised for a significant transformation with the planned reunification of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a process tragically interrupted by the untimely death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. According to a detailed report in the Indian Express, a formal announcement of this historic merger was scheduled to be made on February 8, just days before the fatal incident that claimed the lives of all five individuals on board the chartered aircraft.
Advanced Merger Talks and Electoral Collaboration
The reunification discussions had reached an advanced stage, with leaders from both factions actively preparing for the official declaration following the results of the Zilla Parishad elections. This political alignment was not sudden; it was built upon a foundation of recent electoral cooperation. The two NCP groups had already contested the civic elections in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad together on January 15, demonstrating a growing synergy. They had further agreed to continue this alliance for the Zilla Parishad elections scheduled for February 5, with both factions planning to contest under the 'clock' symbol associated with Ajit Pawar's faction.
The Fateful Journey to Baramati
Tragically, Ajit Pawar was en route to Baramati, the traditional stronghold of the NCP, to attend a rally for these very Zilla Parishad elections when his plane crashed. This journey, meant to bolster the party's campaign, instead ended in catastrophe, leaving the state in mourning and the political merger plans in uncertainty. The NCP had experienced a major split in 2023 when Ajit Pawar, alongside several senior leaders, broke away from the party led by his uncle, veteran politician Sharad Pawar, to join the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government in Maharashtra.
Confirmation from Close Associates
Kiran Gujar, a long-time associate of Ajit Pawar since before his political entry in the mid-1980s, provided crucial insights into the merger's progress. In an interview with PTI, Gujar revealed that Ajit Pawar had confided in him just five days before the crash about the imminent reunification. "He was hundred per cent keen on merging both the factions. He had told me five days ago that the entire process was complete and the merger was imminent in the next few days," Gujar stated, highlighting the deputy chief minister's unwavering commitment to the cause.
During the recent civic polls, Ajit Pawar had also privately informed select journalists of his intention to merge his faction with the NCP (SP), led by Sharad Pawar, while his uncle was in good health. Gujar elaborated that Ajit had a clear roadmap prepared for the merger and the future direction of a united NCP. When questioned about discussions with Sharad Pawar, Gujar indicated that "positive talks were underway with Pawar saheb, Supriya Tai (Supriya Sule) and other leaders," with signs suggesting the senior Pawar would endorse the move.
Political Implications and Future Prospects
The Indian Express report, citing sources, suggested that the reunification was seen as a step towards the Sharad Pawar-led NCP potentially joining the government. Currently, Ajit Pawar's faction is part of Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti coalition, while the NCP (SP) is a member of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress. The merger discussions had progressed to such an extent that possible cabinet reshuffles and the inclusion of new faces were being deliberated. A significant meeting to this effect was held at Sharad Pawar's residence on January 17, just eleven days before Ajit Pawar's tragic demise.
Despite the devastating loss, the political process for merger remains intact, as noted in the report. On the night of the crash, senior NCP leaders who rushed to Baramati to pay their respects held a meeting where the urgency of continuing consultations amid the evolving political situation was emphasized. In the aftermath, leaders from Ajit Pawar's party have advocated for a state cabinet position for his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and suggested she should lead the outfit. Meanwhile, the opposition NCP (SP) has signaled openness to advancing the merger efforts, indicating that the tragedy might galvanize unity.
Final Farewell and Legacy
Maharashtra bid a final, tearful farewell to Ajit Pawar as thousands of mourners gathered for his last rites. The 66-year-old NCP chief, affectionately known as 'Dada' in Baramati, was cremated with full state honors at the Vidya Pratishthan college ground. Chants of "Ajit Dada Amar Rahe" (Long Live Ajit Dada) filled the air as his mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were transported from his village, Katewadi, to the ceremony site located 100 kilometers from Pune.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Kiran Gujar expressed, "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." This sentiment underscores the potential for the merger to proceed as a tribute to Ajit Pawar's vision, despite the heartbreaking interruption caused by the plane crash.
