Maharashtra Deputy CM's Tragic Death Ignites NCP Reunification Momentum
The sudden and tragic death of Maharashtra deputy chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar in a devastating plane crash has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape. This unforeseen event has triggered a fresh and intense churn in Maharashtra's power dynamics, forcefully reopening discussions about the potential reunification of the two NCP factions led by the Pawar family.
Merger Talks Were Already in Advanced Stage Before Tragedy
Contrary to public perception, the rumoured merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party factions—one led by Ajit Pawar and the other by his uncle, veteran politician Sharad Pawar—was reportedly "very much on course" even before Wednesday's fatal crash. Sources intimately aware of the negotiations have revealed to news agency PTI that the talks had already reached an "advanced stage."
"The process of bringing the family and the party back together was already in motion. Ajit dada himself had held several rounds of discussions with senior leaders to bridge the gap," the sources disclosed. They further indicated that the tragedy may now act as a catalyst, accelerating the reunification process rather than stalling it, driven by emotional and political imperatives.
February 8 Eyed for Announcement; Joint Poll Strategy a Sign
Negotiators from both the ruling NCP faction and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) have confirmed that discussions were progressing steadily. A tentative announcement was earlier being considered for February 8, strategically timed shortly after the conclusion of the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. The two factions had already begun testing collaborative waters by jointly contesting the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls under the NCP's iconic clock symbol. This electoral cooperation was widely interpreted as a clear signal of a political thaw following the dramatic and acrimonious split in 2023.
Ajit Pawar's Meticulous Planning and Last Wish
Insiders reveal that Ajit Pawar had been meticulously orchestrating the reunification, viewing it as a critical component of a long-term political strategy. His vision was firmly set on the 2029 general elections and ensuring the party's continued relevance in Maharashtra's volatile political arena. He was reportedly confident that the reunion would materialise with the explicit consent and blessings of his uncle, Sharad Pawar.
This reunification is now being described as Ajit Pawar's final political wish. Kiran Gujar, a member of Vidya Pratishthan and a close associate of the Pawar family for over four decades, made this poignant revelation. Speaking to reporters after the immersion of Ajit Pawar's ashes at Sangam, Gujar stated, "It was 'Dada's' last wish that this merger of the two NCP factions should happen. All should be united. Talks about this were happening throughout the family."
Gujar elaborated, "He was one 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." When questioned about discussions with Sharad Pawar, Gujar confirmed that "positive talks were underway with Pawar saheb, Supriya Tai (Supriya Sule) and other leaders," with strong indications that the senior Pawar would endorse the move.
Leadership Vacuum and Succession Debate Intensifies
Ajit Pawar's untimely demise has created a significant leadership vacuum within the ruling NCP faction. With senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal reportedly unwell, the party now faces profound uncertainty regarding its future leadership and the crucial cabinet portfolios—notably finance and excise—that were deftly handled by Ajit Pawar.
As merger talks gain momentum, a parallel and intense debate has begun within party circles about succession. While the NCP (SP) anticipates Sharad Pawar assuming a central, guiding role in a unified party, the ruling NCP is deeply concerned with preserving the Pawar family's formidable political legacy.
Sources indicate that apart from Sharad Pawar himself, three prominent names have emerged as frontrunners to potentially lead a merged NCP entity:
- Sunetra Pawar – Ajit Pawar's wife and a Rajya Sabha MP, who is being actively considered for the post of deputy chief minister.
- Supriya Sule – Sharad Pawar's daughter and a sitting MP.
- Praful Patel – A seasoned senior leader with extensive administrative experience.
There is a growing chorus within the ruling NCP advocating for Sunetra Pawar to be appointed as both party president and leader of the legislative party. However, should this option not materialise, Praful Patel is viewed as the next likely candidate to assume charge.
Altered Political Equations in Maharashtra Assembly
The potential merger carries substantial implications for Maharashtra's power balance. Ajit Pawar's NCP currently commands the support of 40 MLAs, while the Sharad Pawar faction has 10. A unified NCP would thus wield a consolidated strength of over 50 MLAs in the 288-member Legislative Assembly.
This consolidation could potentially alter delicate equations within both the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). However, political analysts note that even if a unified NCP were to exit the ruling alliance, the Devendra Fadnavis government would remain secure, as the Mahayuti coalition currently holds a comfortable majority with 235 MLAs.
The more significant impact, analysts suggest, could be felt in western Maharashtra—the NCP's traditional "sugar belt" stronghold—where the BJP has been making concerted and successful inroads in recent years.
Upcoming Polls as a Coordinated Tribute; Opposition Criticism
In the immediate term, the upcoming February 7 local body elections are being framed as a "coordinated tribute" to the late leader. Both NCP factions are set to contest these polls together under the shared clock symbol, an act widely seen as a symbolic prelude to a possible formal reunification after the results are declared on February 9.
Meanwhile, reports and discussions surrounding the potential induction of Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, into the state cabinet have drawn sharp and emotional criticism from the opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut vehemently termed such discourse as "inhuman," stating, "The woman has just lost her husband; her eyes are still filled with tears. To talk about leadership and cabinet positions at such a time shows zero humanity."
The tragic loss of Ajit Pawar has thus set in motion a complex interplay of grief, legacy, and realpolitik. While the path to reunification appears more defined, the final shape of a merged NCP and its leadership will be closely watched, as it holds the key to reshaping Maharashtra's political future in the coming years.
