Ajit Pawar Wanted To Reunite NCP Factions As 'Gift' To Uncle: NCP Leader

The untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, not only for the profound loss of a prominent leader but also for the intriguing revelations surfacing in its aftermath. A recent disclosure by NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Ankush Kakade paints a poignant picture of Ajit Pawar’s last major political aspiration: to reunite the warring factions of the Nationalist Congress Party as a special gesture for his uncle, Sharad Pawar, on his 85th birthday on December 12. This deeply personal and politically significant wish, however, tragically remained unfulfilled.

Kakade, reflecting on the bond he shared with the late leader, recounted how Ajit Pawar had earnestly approached him and other senior figures, including Vitthal Sheth Maniar and Srinivas Patil, all known for their close ties to Sharad Pawar. The plea was simple yet profound: “You have good relations with Saheb (Sharad Pawar); please talk to him. Try to see how both NCP factions can become one again.” This outreach underscored Ajit Pawar’s profound desire for reconciliation, despite the bitter political divisions that had marked the NCP in recent years.

The veteran NCP (SP) leader further elaborated on the timeline of this proposed reunion. “Ajit Pawar had told me that we were supposed to come together on December 12, but we couldn't. It's okay; we will come together after the elections.” This statement now carries a heavy weight of irony and sorrow, a testament to political ambitions cut short by fate. Kakade’s recollection highlights not just a political maneuver but a deeply personal longing to mend familial and party ties, even amidst the fiercely competitive arena of state politics.

Beyond the revelations of attempted reconciliation, Kakade also paid tribute to Ajit Pawar’s political acumen and his handling of Sharad Pawar’s formidable legacy. He spoke of never forgetting “how the late leader handled Sharad Pawar's political legacy,” acknowledging Ajit Pawar’s significant contributions and the complex role he played within the family and the party. His sudden passing leaves a void that resonates deeply within the NCP and Maharashtra politics.

The tragic accident that claimed Ajit Pawar’s life occurred on a fateful Wednesday, when his private aircraft crashed approximately 100 meters from the edge of a challenging tabletop runway at Baramati airport in Pune district. Eyewitnesses and officials reported that the aircraft, a critical piece of infrastructure for rapid political travel, burst into flames during what was believed to be a second landing attempt, hampered significantly by poor visibility. The incident, now under thorough investigation, also claimed the lives of two pilots, Sumit Kapur and Sambhavi Pathak, Pawar's personal security officer Vidip Jadhav, and a flight attendant, Pinky Mali, adding to the profound sense of loss felt across the state.

In the immediate aftermath of this tragedy, the focus has inevitably shifted to the future of the Pawar political dynasty and the leadership vacuum within the Nationalist Congress Party. The formidable question now looms: who will step into Ajit Pawar’s shoes and wield the power to guide the party forward? A strong chorus within the NCP is reportedly advocating for the appointment of Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, currently a Rajya Sabha MP, to take the helm as the party president and legislative party leader. Her appointment would ensure continuity and potentially consolidate the family's influence within the faction.

However, the path to succession is rarely straightforward in Indian politics. Sources indicate that if technical limitations or intricate political considerations impede Sunetra Pawar's ascension to the top posts, veteran leader Praful Patel, a long-standing figure in the NCP, could emerge as a strong contender to assume leadership. The coming weeks are crucial as the party navigates this period of mourning and uncertainty, seeking to stabilize its structure and direction in the absence of one of its most dynamic leaders. The political future of Maharashtra, already complex, now faces another layer of intrigue and potential realignment.