Ajit Pawar’s NCP Faces Exodus As Four Key Leaders Resign, Likely To Join Sharad Pawar's Camp

Four key leaders have resigned from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad, signaling a significant setback for the party under Ajit Pawar's leadership following its poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Among those who submitted their resignations to Ajit Pawar, the chief of NCP's Pimpri-Chinchwad unit, is Ajit Gavahane. The others include Pimpri Chinchwad Students' Wing chief Yash Sane, and former corporators Rahul Bhosale and Pankaj Bhalekar.

The resignations come amid speculation that certain leaders aligned with Ajit Pawar are seeking to realign with Sharad Pawar's faction.

“I have quit the NCP. I have submitted my resignation to my party president,” said Ajit Gavahane, NCP’s Pimpri-Chinchwad unit chief, as quoted by the Indian Express.

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Gavahane revealed that numerous NCP office-bearers, former corporators, and leaders intend to leave the party, all of whom are backing his decision. When questioned about the motive behind his resignation from the NCP, Gavahane stated that he would address the media in a press conference scheduled for Wednesday to provide clarity on his decision.

Sharad Pawar, the veteran leader and NCP founder, had recently remarked that while those aiming to weaken the party would not be accommodated, those committed to strengthening the organisation and upholding its image would be welcomed.

The political rift within the NCP traces back to 2023 when Ajit Pawar, in a split from his uncle Sharad Pawar, aligned with the BJP-led NDA government in Maharashtra under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's leadership, serving as his deputy. This divergence led Ajit Pawar's faction to contest the Lok Sabha elections as part of the NDA coalition, where they secured only one seat in Raigad, whereas Sharad Pawar's NCP managed to secure eight seats.

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Maharashtra is set for polls in October-November. Recently, NCP chief Sharad Pawar expressed confidence, stating that the opposition MVA is poised for a strong victory in the upcoming election for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly.