The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is grappling with uncertainty following the unexpected death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a leader who held significant influence over the party’s legislators and operations. His passing has brought questions about the party’s leadership and future to the forefront.

Ajit and Sharad Pawar: A Factional Alliance

Before his death, Ajit Pawar’s faction was beginning to merge with that of his uncle, Sharad Pawar, signaling potential unity within the party. Recent initiatives, such as joint efforts in municipal polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, indicated growing cooperation despite prior electoral setbacks.

Key Factors Determining NCP’s Power Dynamics

With Ajit Pawar gone, the party’s influence now relies on three main elements:

1. The Pawar family

2. Loyal party followers

3. Regional leaders with significant local clout

Sharad Pawar, as the senior and respected leader, is widely seen as the guiding figure during this period of uncertainty.

Sunetra Pawar’s Potential Role

Some political observers view Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra, as a potential leader for the family faction. She has previously contested Lok Sabha elections in 2024, faced competition from her sister-in-law Supriya Sule, and later secured a Rajya Sabha seat. Sunetra’s strong ties to Baramati and her involvement in welfare activities highlight her influence.

Challenges Ahead

Despite her credentials, Sunetra Pawar faces challenges, including limited local support due to her son Parth Pawar’s 2019 electoral loss, leaving her somewhat isolated within the regional power dynamics. How she navigates these hurdles could significantly impact the NCP’s future.

The post NCP in Turmoil: Who Steps into Ajit Pawar’s Shoes? appeared first on Odisha Connect.