Key Leaders Exit Ajit Pawar’s Party, Likely to Join Sharad Pawar’s Camp

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is experiencing a significant shakeup. Four top leaders from the Pimpri-Chinchwad unit have resigned from Ajit Pawar’s faction. This major political development follows the NCP’s poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections. As the Maharashtra Assembly polls approach, these leaders are expected to rejoin Sharad Pawar’s camp.

The Resignation Details

Ajit Gavahane, the NCP’s Pimpri-Chinchwad unit chief, Yash Sane, the students’ wing chief, and former corporators Rahul Bhosale and Pankaj Bhalekar have resigned. Their resignations mark a critical moment for the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Ajit Gavahane’s resignation comes after he failed to secure a ticket for the Bhosari Assembly seat. BJP MLA Mahesh Landge has represented the Bhosari constituency for the last two terms.

NCP’s Lok Sabha Performance

In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition surprised the ruling Mahayuti alliance by winning 30 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. However, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP secured only one seat, Raigad. In contrast, the Sharad Pawar faction won eight seats. This poor performance has led to internal dissatisfaction and realignments within the party.

Possible Return to Sharad Pawar’s Camp

The resignations have sparked speculation about a possible ‘ghar wapsi’ to Sharad Pawar’s faction. Sharad Pawar recently claimed that some MLAs from the breakaway NCP faction had met with senior leader Jayant Patil, indicating their willingness to return.

Chhagan Bhujbal’s Discontent

Senior NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal may also be considering a return to Sharad Pawar’s camp. Bhujbal was reportedly upset after Ajit Pawar nominated his wife Sunetra to the Rajya Sabha. Sunetra’s nomination followed her defeat in the Baramati Lok Sabha election against Supriya Sule. Bhujbal, an influential OBC leader, had hoped for the Rajya Sabha seat and a subsequent Union Ministry post.

Impact on Maharashtra Assembly Polls

These developments come at a crucial time, with the Maharashtra Assembly polls just months away. The internal rift within the NCP could impact the party’s performance in the upcoming elections. The potential return of key leaders to Sharad Pawar’s faction might strengthen his camp, but it also highlights the ongoing power struggle within the party.

The resignation of four top leaders from Ajit Pawar’s faction marks a significant moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape. As these leaders are likely to rejoin Sharad Pawar’s camp, the NCP faces an internal power struggle that could influence the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls. The political dynamics within the NCP remain fluid, with potential ramifications for the party’s future.