The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is grappling with a significant internal crisis following the passing of its key leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in January 2026. The party’s unity has fractured since Sunetra Pawar assumed leadership after her husband’s demise, leading to internal discord. Sunetra Pawar’s presidency is being legally challenged, with senior leader Praful Patel expressing dissent and her son, Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar, exerting increasing influence, causing unrest within the party ranks.
The absence of Ajit Pawar’s strong political presence and resources poses a risk of rapid decline for the NCP. Unlike the NCP (SP) faction led by Sharad Pawar, this group lacks a narrative of victimhood or deep emotional legacy. To survive, the NCP must shift from a family-centric governance model to one based on institutional stability and collaborative leadership.
A significant obstacle for the new leadership is a legal challenge to Sunetra Pawar’s election as National President on February 26, 2026. The challenge highlights procedural lapses, alleging the omission of essential constitutional processes like appointing an independent election authority and issuing proper notifications. Former National Secretary Sachchidanand Singh has served notice to key party figures, demanding a response within 15 days.
While some party members have dismissed the legal notice, a potential crisis looms if the matter escalates to the Supreme Court. The unresolved dispute with the NCP (SP) faction over the party’s legitimacy could further jeopardize its operations. Party insiders emphasize the need to address these constitutional loopholes proactively to maintain credibility.
Internally, power struggles have emerged, with conflicting attempts to consolidate control after Ajit Pawar’s death. The party’s external influence has waned, evident in its failure to regain the Finance portfolio despite high-level meetings. The rise of Parth Pawar as a key decision-maker has caused discontent among legislators, who feel disconnected from the new leadership.
The NCP’s legislators are pragmatic, with potential shifts to other political groups if internal conflicts persist. To navigate this challenging phase, observers recommend empowering the core committee of veteran leaders to make crucial decisions and ensuring transparent decision-making processes. Sunetra Pawar is advised to engage actively with constituency issues to regain the party’s support base.
