The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is grappling with internal strife after the passing of former national president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. NCP National Working President Praful Patel acknowledged the challenge of filling the void left by Ajit Pawar, stressing the need for corrective measures to stay relevant in state and national politics.
Following Sunetra Pawar’s appointment as National President and Parth Pawar’s increased organizational role, tensions have arisen between senior party members and the Pawar family. Political analysts highlight the necessity for the NCP to institutionalize Ajit Pawar’s organizational framework rather than rely solely on his individual leadership to survive.
Amid reports of internal discord and a leadership vacuum, concerns have surfaced over potential splits within the NCP. The party’s recent submission of national office-bearers’ names to the Election Commission of India without designations for veteran leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare has fueled speculation of attempts to centralize control under family leadership.
Party insiders fear that external allies within the ruling Mahayuti coalition could exploit these internal divisions to weaken the NCP’s position. With Ajit Pawar’s absence, there are apprehensions that the party may lose ground to the BJP in key regions, necessitating a strategic approach to maintain its political standing.
Support is growing for a collective leadership approach within the NCP to prevent further internal conflicts. Suggestions include a council comprising experienced leaders like Patel and Tatkare alongside regional influencers, with Sunetra and Parth Pawar assigned specific organizational roles. The party’s immediate focus is on assuring grassroots members of continuity in Ajit Pawar’s development initiatives while navigating a critical phase of transition.
