Sharad Pawar Quits as NCP Chief Amid Speculation over Nephew Ajit Pawar
On May 1, 2023, the senior Maharashtra politician Sharad Pawar dropped a bombshell by announcing his resignation as the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), leading to a fresh wave of speculation about his nephew Ajit Pawar possibly drifting towards the BJP. The announcement came during the launch of Sharad Pawar’s autobiography in Mumbai, where he stated that after a long period of public life, it was necessary to take a step back.
Time for a New Generation
The 82-year-old Sharad Pawar, who has played a pivotal role in bringing together opposition parties ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, recommended that a committee of NCP members decide on the election of the state.
President’s post stated that it was time for a new generation to guide the party. He also announced a panel of senior party leaders to plan the way forward.
However, his decision was met with protests by NCP workers and leaders, many of whom could be seen in tears. Emotional party workers and leaders begged Mr. Pawar to withdraw his decision and said they wouldn’t leave unless he did so. Top NCP leader and Rajya Sabha Praful Patel said Sharad Pawar did not take anyone into confidence before announcing his resignation.
Ajit Pawar’s Involvement
Reports that Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar’s nephew, may take over the NCP gained traction when he said that the “next president of NCP will work under Sharad Pawar’s guidance.” Ajit Pawar also said that his uncle had planned to announce his resignation on May 1 but put it off due to a rally of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Speculation of Ajit Pawar jumping ship to the BJP peaked when he skipped a meeting of his party’s Mumbai unit last month. He had claimed that he had other engagements, so had to miss the NCP convention. He also declared that he would work for the NCP “till I’m alive.”
Clearing the Path for an Ajit Pawar-led NCP to Join Hands with the BJP?
After Sharad Pawar’s shock move, many suggested that it would clear the path for an Ajit Pawar-led NCP to join hands with the BJP. BJP leaders have openly egged on Ajit Pawar to switch sides, though the party’s Maharashtra ally, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has made it clear that he opposes it. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction has said it won’t be a part of the government in Maharashtra if Ajit Pawar joins the BJP with a group of NCP leaders.
Ajit Pawar’s Embarrassing Move
Ajit Pawar, to the embarrassment of Sharad Pawar, had on November 23, 2019, taken oath as Deputy Chief Minister with BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister, but the government fell without proving its majority on November 28.
Supriya Sule’s Comment
Notably, Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule had exactly 15 days ago hinted at “two big political explosions” in the next 15 days. “One (explosion) in Delhi and one in Maharashtra,” Supriya Sule, a senior
The move by Sharad Pawar, who has been a key figure in Indian politics for several decades, has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. It is seen as a major setback for the opposition, which is looking to form a united front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Sharad Pawar’s decision to step down as NCP chief has also raised questions about the future of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra, which is led by the Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress. The BJP, which is the main opposition party in the state, has been trying to poach MLAs from the ruling alliance in a bid to topple the government.
Ajit Pawar, who is Sharad Pawar’s nephew, had briefly aligned with the BJP in 2019, triggering a political crisis in the state. However, he later returned to the NCP fold and became the Deputy Chief Minister in the MVA government.
The speculation about Ajit Pawar’s next move has been fueled by his recent absence from key party meetings and his reported meetings with top BJP leaders. However, he has denied any plans to switch sides and has said that he remains committed to the NCP and the MVA government.
The resignation of Sharad Pawar has added to the uncertainty surrounding the political situation in Maharashtra. The BJP, which has been out of power in the state since 2019, is hoping to capitalize on the infighting within the ruling alliance and return to power in the next assembly elections.
However, the Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress have expressed confidence in their ability to weather the storm and continue with their alliance. They have accused the BJP of trying to destabilize the government and have warned their MLAs against defecting to the opposition.
The resignation of Sharad Pawar is a significant development in Indian politics, particularly in the context of the upcoming general elections. Sharad Pawar has been a key player in opposition politics and has played a crucial role in bringing together disparate parties to form a united front against the BJP.
His departure from the NCP leadership has raised questions about the future of the party and its ability to hold its ground in Maharashtra. It has also highlighted the deep divisions within the opposition ranks and the challenges they face in putting up a united front against the BJP.
The BJP, on the other hand, is looking to take advantage of the situation and expand its base in Maharashtra. It remains to be seen how the political situation in the state will unfold in the coming weeks and months.
Conclusive
The resignation of Sharad Pawar as NCP chief has sent shockwaves through the political establishment and raised questions about the future of the opposition in Maharashtra. It has also highlighted the deep divisions within the opposition ranks and the challenges they face in putting up a united front against the BJP.
The political situation in Maharashtra is likely to remain uncertain in the coming weeks and months, as the ruling alliance and the opposition parties jostle for power. The BJP is looking to capitalize on the infighting within the ruling alliance and expand its base in the state.
However, the Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress have expressed confidence in their ability to weather the storm and continue with their alliance. They have accused the BJP of trying to destabilize the government and have warned their MLAs against defecting to the opposition.
The resignation of Sharad Pawar is a significant development in Indian politics and underscores the challenges faced by the opposition in taking on the BJP. It remains to be seen how the political situation in Maharashtra will unfold in the coming weeks and months, and whether the opposition can put up a united front to take on the ruling party in the upcoming general elections.
