The Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) 26th Foundation Day on June 10 was marked not just by celebration, but by signs of shifting political winds as both the Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions held parallel events in Pune, giving rise to speculation about a possible reunion or merger.
Ajit Pawar’s Message: Pragmatism Over Purism
At his faction's event, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar defended his controversial 2023 split from uncle Sharad Pawar, arguing that remaining in opposition is not enough in today’s politics. He insisted that joining the BJP-led NDA was a step towards pragmatic governance and not a betrayal of ideology.
“We are not saints. We are here to solve people’s problems, not just raise slogans,” he declared, pushing back on accusations that his move diluted the NCP’s core principles.
Ajit Pawar also pointed out that other regional leaders with secular credentials, like Chandrababu Naidu and Mamata Banerjee, have previously aligned with the NDA when it suited their political goals.
Acknowledging the poor performance of his faction in the recent Lok Sabha elections, he promised course correction and preparations for state-wide rallies and local body elections. Notably, he stressed inclusive politics, suggesting that alliances at the local level may vary and that merit-based leadership would shape the party’s internal decisions moving forward.
Supriya Sule’s Tone: Familial Warmth, Political Distance
At a separate gathering, Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, avoided confrontation but kept political distance intact. She responded to reunion speculation carefully:
“Ajit Pawar and I are family. That will never change. But party-related decisions should be made around a table, not on camera.”
Her tone suggested openness to dialogue but no confirmation of imminent talks. She also refuted media claims that her faction had demanded a special legislative session, downplaying rumors of aggressive legislative action.
Reflecting on the NCP's legacy, Sule maintained that the Sharad Pawar-led faction has always stood by the people, and political ups and downs are part of the journey. Her comments seemed calibrated to avoid deepening divisions, while still asserting the faction’s independent identity.
Underlying Dynamics and What Comes Next
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The dual celebrations in Pune highlight the unresolved power struggle and ideological positioning within the NCP.
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Both factions seem to be assessing the electoral fallout of the 2023 split, with Ajit Pawar hinting at recalibration and Sule maintaining continuity.
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The possibility of a merger or strategic alliance remains open, especially with Maharashtra Assembly elections looming in late 2024 or early 2025.
While neither side confirmed any merger, the non-combative tone, shared family references, and vague but open-ended remarks have only added fuel to political speculation. The coming months — especially as both sides ramp up their political activity — may reveal whether reconciliation is a real possibility or merely political posturing.
