Mumbai, March 2 (NationPress) In a significant political shift, Sunetra Pawar took over as the National President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on February 26, following the untimely passing of her husband, former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. This transition has notably reduced the likelihood of a merger or reconciliation with the faction led by Sharad Pawar.

Party veterans have celebrated this new leadership as the beginning of the "Sunetra Era", clearly indicating the party's intent to resist any influence from the Sharad Pawar faction.

According to party insiders, Sunetra Pawar is set on steering the NCP independently, upholding the political legacy of her late husband while aiming to bolster the party's structure in the near future. During her inaugural address at an NCP gathering in Mumbai, she struck an emotional yet firm note.

Addressing the audience in front of a grand portrait of Ajit Pawar, she promised to pursue his vision tirelessly, stating, “We will follow Ajit Pawar's policies, grounded in the principles of Rajarshi Shahu, Jyotirao Phule, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar,” as she connected with party members while paying tribute to the departed leader.

The convention showcased an unexpectedly combative attitude towards Sharad Pawar, with senior leaders indicating that the possibility of reconciliation between the two factions has likely evaporated. NCP working president Praful Patel challenged the rival faction's authority, questioning, "How can they dictate terms for our party?"

Senior minister Chhagan Bhujbal lambasted the Sharad Pawar group for their hurried discussions regarding a merger even before Ajit Pawar's last rites were concluded, asking, "What gives them the right to challenge Sunetra Pawar now?"

Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare revisited the 2004 Assembly elections, alleging that Ajit Pawar was denied the Chief Minister's position to appease the Congress party.

In a bid to solidify the family's influence within the party, the NCP revealed that Parth Pawar, the eldest son of Ajit and Sunetra, will be a candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in March. As part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the NCP possesses the legislative strength to secure his victory.

In contrast, Sharad Pawar’s chances for re-election to the Rajya Sabha appear uncertain. With only 10 MLAs, his re-election hinges on the support of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), particularly the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress.

Despite the outward display of unity, an undercurrent of anxiety persists. Some party members express concerns regarding the NCP's viability in the upcoming 2029 Assembly elections. One minister, speaking anonymously, admitted that while things seem calm on the surface, there is a profound sense of unease about the future. The NCP's history has always been intertwined with emotional bonds. Many leaders who rallied behind Ajit Pawar during the July 2023 split did so under the belief that the "two parties" were merely a façade and that a reunion was inevitable. However, those aspirations appear to have vanished with Ajit Pawar's passing.

Insiders from the Sharad Pawar-led faction disclosed that merger discussions were well advanced under Ajit Pawar’s initiative. Reports suggest that Ajit Pawar had two main reasons for pursuing a merger: to eliminate the "rebel" label and to ensure survival in the state’s political arena against the BJP’s expansive agenda.

NCP sources indicate that Ajit Pawar aimed to reunite the family in the presence of his mother, Ashatai, and Sharad Pawar, fearing that remaining independent would lead to the party being "absorbed" by the BJP.

Adding fuel to the fire, Rohit Pawar (Sharad Pawar's grand-nephew) challenged the merger narrative, emphasizing the need for justice regarding Ajit Pawar’s death, asking, "Who is advocating for a merger? Shouldn't the people of Maharashtra be informed about the circumstances surrounding his accident?"

As tensions escalate between the factions, political analysts propose that the BJP's strategy to prevent the two NCP factions from reuniting is now taking shape.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)