Days ahead of municipal elections in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that differences within the Pawar family have been resolved and that both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are now working together.
Speaking to NDTV, Pawar said party workers across factions were keen on unity and welcomed the collaboration during the ongoing civic body polls.
“Workers from both sides want to unite. The two NCPs are together now. Family tensions have ended,” he said.
Background of the NCP Split
The NCP split in July 2023, when Ajit Pawar broke away from the party led by his uncle Sharad Pawar, along with several senior leaders, and joined the Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra. The split resulted in two rival factions, each contesting elections separately.
Since then, speculation around a possible reunion has continued, especially at the grassroots level.
‘No Permanent Enemies in Politics’
Earlier in the day, Pawar had also indicated to a local news channel that a long-term reconciliation between the two factions could take shape after the completion of the municipal elections.
“There are no permanent enemies in politics. Right now, we are fully focused on alliance discussions, seat-sharing, and campaigning,” he said.
He added that party workers were particularly encouraged by the decision of both factions to contest together in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, key urban centres in the state.
Focus on Civic Poll Campaigning
Pawar said the joint contest in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad had boosted morale among party workers and would strengthen the party’s performance in local body elections.
“Workers are happy that we are fighting together in these cities. Larger decisions can be discussed later. At present, elections are the priority,” he said.
Responding to questions about his active presence in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawar said these areas were his home districts, explaining his increased involvement in campaign activities there. He added that other leaders, including Supriya Sule, were expected to campaign in their respective regions.
Political Significance
The temporary alignment of both NCP factions during the civic polls is being closely watched, as it may influence future political equations in Maharashtra, particularly ahead of larger electoral contests.
