Pawar Sr and Ajit share dais again: What lies ahead for NCP and NCP (SP)

By | June 2, 2025

In Maharashtra’s often dramatic political landscape, few events create as much buzz as a public appearance by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar—especially after a major party split. On a recent occasion, the uncle-nephew duo, whose political fallout split the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) down the middle, shared the dais at a non-political event. The move has sparked curiosity, speculation, and quiet conversation about whether this was a one-off appearance—or a sign of something more significant brewing in Maharashtra politics.

At first glance, the occasion may appear ceremonial. But given the emotional pull of the Pawar surname in Maharashtra, especially among Maratha voters, the symbolism of their joint appearance cannot be understated. Is this a step toward reconciliation? A strategic balancing act? Or merely optics ahead of elections?

Let’s unpack the current situation and what it may mean for the future of NCP (Sharad Pawar) and NCP (Ajit Pawar)—the two factions now representing different visions for the same political legacy.

The Backdrop: A Party Divided

The split in the NCP in July 2023 shook the foundations of Maharashtra’s politics. Ajit Pawar, who had served in key positions including Deputy CM multiple times, led a rebellion with a sizable number of MLAs. He extended support to the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance led by Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis. Soon after, his faction staked claim to the party name and symbol, both of which were eventually awarded to him by the Election Commission.

Sharad Pawar, despite being left with fewer MLAs, chose to stand firm. He rebranded his group as NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and retained the loyalty of several grassroots workers and senior leaders. While Ajit Pawar took control of administration and governance, Sharad Pawar stuck to his role as an ideologue and public mobilizer.

The stage seemed set for a long-term family feud playing out in the state’s political theatre.

Sharing the Dais: Just Symbolic or Politically Strategic?

When the two Pawars appeared side-by-side at a cultural event in Pune recently, it was the first time in months they had shared public space. There was no heated exchange, no barbed comments—just courteous acknowledgments and respectful statements. Yet, in the world of politics, silence and body language often speak louder than words.

While both leaders were careful not to offer any political hints, the optics were powerful. Here were two generations of one of Maharashtra’s most influential political families, divided by power but united by blood, appearing in public together once more.

Could this signal a thaw in the relationship? Or is it merely a gesture meant to calm restive supporters who are still emotionally tied to the idea of a united NCP?

Political Calculations at Play

The upcoming 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections loom large. The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is well-organized and heavily funded. The Congress and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) are attempting to regroup, while Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction continues to draw support from traditional loyalists, especially in rural Maharashtra.

Ajit Pawar, now a key player in the ruling alliance, may have realized the value of optics and sentiment in winning over skeptical voters. Despite his administrative control, his faction has faced criticism for “betraying” the party’s core values. His reappearance with Sharad Pawar could be a calculated move to soften his image and retain Maratha and rural support.

Sharad Pawar, on the other hand, may be keeping the door open for strategic flexibility. Though he has publicly maintained that ideological clarity matters more than numbers, he understands better than anyone that political survival sometimes requires unexpected alliances.

What Does This Mean for Both Factions?

1. Public Sentiment Management

Many grassroots workers and long-time supporters are still confused about the split. The joint appearance may help reduce bitterness and keep the party’s legacy intact, even in two parts. This could stabilize vote shares and prevent complete fragmentation of the NCP base.

2. Possible Post-Election Collaboration

Should the 2024 elections deliver a fractured mandate, the possibility of a post-poll alliance between the two factions cannot be ruled out. In such a case, appearing together today sets the stage for a smoother transition tomorrow.

3. Legacy Over Loyalty

Sharad Pawar, a master of long-term political planning, may be using this moment to protect the larger Pawar legacy. Even if the factions stay apart, he may want to ensure that his family’s political heritage doesn’t suffer further reputational damage.

4. Internal Realignment

There’s also the possibility that leaders within both camps are pushing for some kind of informal reconciliation, at least at the electoral level. Local-level coordination in key constituencies could prove beneficial for both factions.

Challenges to Reunification

Despite the symbolic unity, a full-fledged reunification faces significant hurdles:

  • Control over the party name and symbol remains with Ajit Pawar.
  • Ideological trust deficit persists, especially among those who stayed with Sharad Pawar out of principle.
  • The BJP’s role in propping up Ajit’s current position could limit any possibility of formal alliance without upsetting current power dynamics.

Moreover, the younger leaders on both sides have now carved out distinct identities. Reuniting them without causing internal conflicts would require immense political finesse.

What Lies Ahead?

The Pawars’ joint appearance may not immediately rewrite Maharashtra’s political map, but it surely reshapes the conversation. It offers a glimpse into how seasoned politicians handle deep rifts—with diplomacy, symbolism, and strategic silence.

In the unpredictable world of Maharashtra politics, never say never. A year ago, few would have imagined Ajit Pawar leading the NCP under the BJP umbrella. Similarly, today’s appearance could be the seed of tomorrow’s coalition—or simply a reminder of shared roots amid political rivalry.

Conclusion

The moment when Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar stood together once again marks more than just a pause in hostilities. It reflects the complexity of Maharashtra’s politics, where personal equations, public expectations, and electoral arithmetic constantly collide. Whether this signals a return to unity or just a moment of calculated calm remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the story of NCP and its two factions is far from over.