In a dramatic turn of events, at least eight Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are reportedly poised to join Ajit Pawar’s faction. This potential shift marks a significant blow to Sharad Pawar’s leadership, as Ajit Pawar’s faction has already been recognized by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as the official NCP.
Ajit Pawar’s Rising Influence
The ECI’s decision to grant the Ajit Pawar faction the NCP’s official name and poll symbol has solidified its status as the “real” NCP. This recognition, coupled with recent political maneuvers, has further cemented Ajit Pawar’s influence. According to a report by Republic, several MPs are in close contact with Ajit Pawar’s camp and may soon announce their allegiance.
Sharad Pawar’s Next Move
Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar is reportedly exploring new strategies to counter the setback. Sources close to the veteran leader suggest he may consider aligning with the ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speculations are rife that he is lobbying for a ministerial berth for his daughter, Supriya Sule, in the Modi-led central cabinet.
Supriya Sule’s Recent Remarks Spark Speculation
Adding fuel to the political fire, Baramati MP Supriya Sule, a prominent leader of the Sharad Pawar faction, recently praised BJP leader and Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Speaking to reporters in Pune on January 3, Sule remarked, “Most ministers in the Mahayuti government have yet to take charge. Only one person who is working very hard is Devendra Fadnavis, no one else is visible. Devendra ji is focused and working in mission mode… which is a good thing… We wish him all the best.”
Her comments have led to speculation about a possible softening of ties between the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and the BJP-led alliance.
Impact on Maharashtra Politics
The potential defection of the eight MPs is a significant setback for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance and the opposition INDI Alliance. The NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) had secured eight out of ten Lok Sabha seats in the last general elections. If these parliamentarians join Ajit Pawar’s faction, it could further weaken the opposition’s stance in Maharashtra.
This political twist comes on the heels of the NCP’s split in July 2023, when Ajit Pawar and several other leaders joined the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance government in Maharashtra. Since then, the political landscape has been in flux, with Sharad Pawar’s future plans under intense scrutiny.