The resignations come after the NCP’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections and ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, highlighting deep divisions within the party
In a significant setback for the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), four key leaders from the party’s Pimpri-Chinchwad unit have resigned and are expected to join the Sharad Pawar faction. This development comes in the wake of the NCP’s poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections and just months before the crucial Maharashtra Assembly polls.
Ajit Gavahane, the chief of NCP’s Pimpri-Chinchwad unit, Yash Sane, head of the students’ wing, and former corporators Rahul Bhosale and Pankaj Bhalekar have submitted their resignations to Ajit Pawar. Sources reveal that Ajit Gavahane’s resignation was prompted by his unsuccessful attempt to secure a ticket for the Bhosari Assembly seat, which has been held by BJP MLA Mahesh Landge for the past two terms.
Pimpri-Chinchwad has long been an NCP stronghold. However, the recent Lok Sabha elections saw the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, of which NCP is a part, surprising the ruling Mahayuti alliance by winning 30 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP managed to win only one seat, Raigad, while the Sharad Pawar faction secured eight seats.
The resignations have fueled speculation about a potential realignment within the party. Reports suggest that several leaders from the Ajit Pawar camp are contemplating a return to the Sharad Pawar faction. Earlier this month, Sharad Pawar claimed that some MLAs from the breakaway faction had met with senior NCP leader Jayant Patil.
Additionally, there are rumors that Maharashtra minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal may defect from Ajit Pawar’s camp. Bhujbal’s discontent reportedly stems from Ajit Pawar nominating his wife, Sunetra, to the Rajya Sabha after her defeat in the Baramati Lok Sabha election to Supriya Sule. Bhujbal, an influential OBC leader, had been eyeing the Rajya Sabha seat and a subsequent Union Ministry post.
Sharad Pawar recently revealed details about his meeting with Chhagan Bhujbal, where Bhujbal urged him to take actions beneficial to the state. Bhujbal had also informed Pawar about an all-party meeting called by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to discuss the contentious issue of Maratha reservation, which the opposition MVA boycotted.
Pawar criticized the Maharashtra government for not involving the opposition in discussions with Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil. He emphasized the need for clarity on the commitments made to both the Maratha and OBC communities to ensure peace in the state. Bhujbal’s meeting with Pawar has further fueled rumors about his potential departure from the Ajit Pawar camp.
As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, the internal strife within the NCP and the shifting allegiances of its leaders will significantly impact the party’s prospects. The upcoming months will be crucial for both factions as they navigate these turbulent times.