Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: More than two years after a dramatic political split, the rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar have reunited for the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections, signalling a temporary truce in one of Maharashtra’s most high-profile family feuds.
Ajit Pawar Announces Unity for Local Elections
Addressing an election rally, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that for the civic polls, both NCP factions have decided to fight together. He remarked that the ‘clock’ and the ‘tutari’ symbols have united, adding that the Pawar family has come together for the sake of the Pimpri-Chinchwad elections. Ajit Pawar’s faction uses the ‘clock’ symbol, recognised by the Election Commission as the original NCP, while Sharad Pawar’s faction contests under the ‘tutari’ (curved trumpet) symbol.
Origins of the NCP and the Pawar Legacy
The Nationalist Congress Party was founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999 and remained a major force in Maharashtra politics for over two decades. Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar’s nephew, emerged as one of the party’s most influential leaders and served multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister during this period.
The 2023 Split That Divided the Party
The party split in 2023 when Ajit Pawar broke away with several senior leaders and joined the BJP-Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) alliance. Ajit Pawar publicly questioned Sharad Pawar’s continuation as party chief at an advanced age and argued for leadership transition. Following the split, Ajit Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister, aligning his faction with the ruling coalition, while Sharad Pawar chose to remain with the opposition.
Ajit Pawar’s Justification and Sharad Pawar’s Response
At the time, Ajit Pawar stated that his decision was driven by the need for political stability and development in Maharashtra, not personal ambition. He openly criticised Sharad Pawar for holding on to party leadership at 83, calling for opportunities for younger leaders. Sharad Pawar responded firmly, asserting that age did not diminish his effectiveness, stating he would remain active whether he was 82 or 92.
Two Factions, Two Symbols
After the split, the NCP formally divided into two factions. The Election Commission recognised Ajit Pawar’s group as the legitimate NCP and allowed it to retain the ‘clock’ symbol. Sharad Pawar’s faction, known as NCP-SP, adopted the ‘tutari’ symbol and continued its political journey independently.
Aftermath and a Tactical Reunion
Both factions contested subsequent elections separately. Following setbacks in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Ajit Pawar later admitted that distancing himself from his family had been a mistake. The current reunion, limited to local body polls, reflects a strategic understanding rather than a full political merger, but it marks a significant moment in Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape.
