In a recent interview to a daily, Ajit Pawar acknowledged that the bitterness between the two factions of the NCP had diminished

In a recent interview to a daily, Ajit Pawar acknowledged that the bitterness between the two factions of the NCP had diminished

In a recent interview to a daily, Ajit Pawar acknowledged that the bitterness between the two factions of the NCP had diminished

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, who defected from his parent party to join the BJP-Shiv Sena-led government in Maharashtra in 2024, tragically died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning. His death comes at a time when reports suggested a potential thaw between the two warring factions of the NCP, with speculation about his possible return to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

Just last week, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had expressed hope that Ajit Pawar would merge his faction with the NCP (Sharad Pawar), led by his uncle and veteran leader Sharad Pawar. "Though Ajit Pawar is part of the Mahayuti alliance, he remains connected with the MVA. Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar will reunite as part of the MVA. Ajit Pawar cannot sit on two stools," Raut had said.

Following the split in the NCP and a prolonged legal battle for control of the party, the Election Commission granted Ajit Pawar's faction the original party name and the ‘clock’ symbol, while Sharad Pawar’s faction was rebranded as NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).

Ajit Pawar had first raised the flag of rebellion in 2019 when he defected from the NCP to join the BJP government, becoming the Deputy Chief Minister. However, the government collapsed within 80 hours, and Ajit soon returned to the NCP.

In recent months, a clear thaw between the two factions had become evident. They formed an alliance for municipal elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad earlier this month, and have also announced a tie-up for the upcoming third phase of civic body polls on February 5. Both factions had agreed to contest under Ajit Pawar’s faction's ‘clock’ symbol.

Signs of reconciliation had been apparent over the past several months, with members of the Pawar family appearing together at multiple events and posing for photos.

"In an interview with the Times of India earlier this month, Ajit acknowledged that the bitterness between the two factions of the NCP had diminished. He hinted at a possible reunion with his uncle, stating that he believes in the politics of 'addition, not subtraction.'

There has been no discussion with Pawar Saheb yet. However, I want to make it clear that there are no permanent enemies in politics,' he said.

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