In a surprising turn of events, Ajit Pawar, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and nephew of party chief Sharad Pawar, dealt a significant blow to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition in Maharashtra by joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). On Sunday, he took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in the presence of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, both from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The political landscape in Maharashtra witnessed a seismic shift as Ajit Pawar’s decision to align with the NDA came as a shock to many.
Speculations arose about the extent of Sharad Pawar’s involvement in the split, with BJP sources claiming that such a significant move by Ajit Pawar could not have happened without Sharad Pawar’s knowledge. Additionally, sources pointed out that the high-handedness of the Congress party played a role in exacerbating tensions within the NCP. The division within the NCP deals a severe blow to the unity of the opposition ahead of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In the previous 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the NCP garnered around 16 percent of the vote share, securing four seats.
During the assembly elections, the party acquired nearly 17 percent of the vote share, winning 54 seats, just two seats shy of the combined total of the Shiv Sena, the coalition’s leading party. Ajit Pawar’s defection to the NDA has not only weakened the MVA coalition but has also strengthened the BJP’s position in Maharashtra politics. The move underscores the shifting dynamics and power struggles within the state’s political landscape.
Apart from Ajit Pawar, several other NCP members took oath as ministers, including Chhagan Bhujbal, a heavyweight within the party, and Dilip Walse, a former home minister of Maharashtra. This influx of experienced politicians bolsters the NDA’s administration, further consolidating its position. As the news reverberates across the political spectrum, it remains to be seen how this dramatic development will shape the future of Maharashtra politics.
The split within the NCP has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the opposition camp, potentially reshuffling alliances and strategies as they prepare for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Overall, the NCP’s setback with Ajit Pawar’s defection has altered the political landscape in Maharashtra, bringing about new challenges and opportunities for the state’s major political players. The consequences of this high-profile split are likely to unfold in the coming months, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the state’s politics in the long run.