Ajit Pawar's NCP could join MVA, says NCP-SP's Yugendra Pawar
Synopsis
NCP-SP's Yugendra Pawar has openly floated the idea of Ajit Pawar's faction rejoining the MVA — a claim that, if it gains traction, could redraw Maharashtra's coalition map. With the Baramati by-election imminent and a helicopter incident involving Ajit Pawar still unresolved, the Pawar family's political fault lines are widening even as Yugendra calls for family unity.
Key Takeaways
Yugendra Pawar (NCP-SP) claimed on 1 May that Ajit Pawar's NCP faction could potentially join the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) if it exits or is forced out of the Mahayuti alliance.
He predicted Sunetra Pawar would win the Baramati Assembly by-election by a record margin of 2,20,000 votes out of 2,24,000 cast.
Yugendra stated the 2029 Baramati MLA decision would rest with the people and senior Pawar family members, including Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule .
He flagged discrepancies in the DGCA report related to a helicopter incident involving Ajit Pawar , demanding full public disclosure.
He stressed family unity, saying a 'Pawar vs Pawar' contest should be avoided, echoing sentiments previously expressed by Jay Pawar and Supriya Sule .
Baramati, 1 May — Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Yugendra Pawar on Friday triggered fresh speculation about a Maharashtra political realignment, claiming that Ajit Pawar's NCP faction could potentially switch sides and join the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the future. The statement, made to reporters in Baramati, has stirred political circles ahead of the Baramati Assembly by-election.
Key Claims on Political Realignment
Yugendra Pawar suggested that if Ajit Pawar's faction were to exit or be pushed out of the Mahayuti alliance, a return to the MVA fold — or even a merger with the NCP (SP) — remained plausible. He drew a historical parallel to underscore his point.
Point of View
And any public speculation about defection, even framed as hypothetical, raises the cost of that partnership. What's notable is that Yugendra simultaneously praises Sunetra Pawar, calls for family unity, and questions the DGCA report — a careful triangulation that keeps pressure on Ajit Pawar without fully burning bridges. The 'Pawar vs Pawar' framing has dominated Baramati politics since 2024, and it shows no sign of fading into the background before 2029.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Yugendra Pawar claim about Ajit Pawar's NCP faction?
Yugendra Pawar, an NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader, claimed on 1 May that Ajit Pawar's NCP faction could potentially join the Maha Vikas Aghadi or merge with NCP-SP if it exits or is forced out of the Mahayuti alliance. He drew a parallel with the Shiv Sena-Congress alliance, which many once considered impossible.
What is the Baramati Assembly by-election and who is contesting?
The Baramati Assembly by-election is a key electoral contest in Maharashtra. Yugendra Pawar expressed confidence that Sunetra Pawar — wife of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar — would win by a record margin of 2,20,000 votes out of 2,24,000 cast, suggesting she faced no strong opposition.
What discrepancies did Yugendra Pawar flag in the DGCA report?
Yugendra Pawar stated that his side found several discrepancies in the DGCA report related to a helicopter incident involving Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. He demanded full public disclosure of the facts, saying many questions remain unanswered while investigations continue.
Who will decide Baramati's MLA candidate for 2029?
According to Yugendra Pawar, the decision on Baramati's 2029 MLA candidate will rest with the people, party workers, and senior Pawar family members — specifically Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule. He indicated all senior family members would sit together to reach a consensus.
What is the current political equation between the two NCP factions?
The NCP split into two factions — one led by Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) aligned with the MVA, and one led by Ajit Pawar aligned with the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. Yugendra Pawar's remarks suggest the possibility of reconciliation, though no formal move has been announced by either side.
