NCP leader Sharad Pawar expresses surprise at the party's division.
In a candid appreciation, NCP (SP) Chief Sharad Pawar lauded the dedication of his party's workers, acknowledging the internal struggles and a 2023 split that remobilized the party.
At a celebration marking the 26th anniversary of the NCP, Pawar reflected on the challenges faced by the party, stating, "Despite obstacles, you kept the party afloat. Yes, we experienced a rift, a breakaway - something we never imagined would happen."
Expressing gratitude for the devotion to the NCP's ideology, he added, "Many dabbled in other ideologies, regarding this schism. But it was those who remained steadfast to our principles that make our current existence possible."
Pawar hinted at a new electoral landscape to come, stating, "The atmosphere will be different in the approaching elections."
The NCP split in July 2023, following Pawar's nephew, Ajit Pawar's alliance with the Shiv Sena-BJP regime in Maharashtra state. Apparently, the Election Commission bestowed the official NCP name and iconic 'clock' symbol upon Ajit Pawar's faction, while the remaining group claimed the name NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
- Sharad Pawar
- Nationalist Congress Party
- Ajit Pawar
- Ncp
- Shiv Sena
- Bjp
- Maharashtra
From Internal Strife to Political Alignment
In the aftermath of the split, the NCP was left grappling with factionalism and a weakening influence. The 2024 elections in Maharashtra showcased this decline as Ajit Pawar's faction secured a substantial 41 seats, whereas Sharad Pawar's faction managed only 10 out of 288.
This significant electoral split has led to a reconfiguration of political alliances, resulting in Ajit Pawar's NCP and the BJP-Shiv Sena aligning, while Sharad Pawar's faction drew closer to the Congress and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray group).
In the process, both parties have encountered challenges, with Sharad Pawar's faction prioritizing fresh leadership, youth, and women, along with exploring independent or alliance-based strategies for civic and local body elections.
As a result of the split, the BJP-led coalition maintains a solid hold over Maharashtra's political scenario due to the fragmented opposition.
- Despite the internal strife and split within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2023, Sharad Pawar acknowledged the loyalty and resilience of his party's workers.
- The split resulted in the formation of two factions, with Ajit Pawar's faction aligning with the BJP-Shiv Sena, while Sharad Pawar's faction formed an alliance with the Congress and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray group).
- In the 2024 elections, Ajit Pawar's faction secured a majority of seats in Maharashtra, while Sharad Pawar's faction only managed a few.
- In an effort to regain influence, Sharad Pawar's faction is focusing on fresh leadership, empowering youth, and cultivating women with an aim to excel in civic and local body elections.
- The political landscape of Maharashtra continues to be dominated by the BJP-led coalition due to the fragmented opposition, instigated by the split within the NCP.
