The internal politics of NCP is fast taking shape which would have an impact on Maharashtra Politics
The political landscape of Maharashtra witnessed a significant upheaval recently as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is undergoing radical changes. The NCP, one of the key players in the state's politics, is undergoing a leadership transition that promises to have far-reaching consequences for Maharashtra's political dynamics. NCP largely a show managed by Sharad Pawar is now ready to go to the next-gen leaders as Sharad Pawar seems to be withdrawing and assigning himself less and less of routine work.Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar on Saturday named his daughter Supriya Sule and senior party leader Praful Patel as working presidents of NCP. Pawar made the announcement in Delhi on Saturday during the NCP foundation celebrations of the party completing 20 years. This also could start a tussle. Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar’s nephew and the opposition leader in the state assembly, has been the second man so far in the party but now his wings are being clipped much to his anguish. This is the first time that the party is having a working president for the national unit, a clear indication that the process of passing on the baton has begun and gives a clear indication of who would be the Pawar’s choice.The decisions taken by Pawar including handing out more responsibilities to party leaders like Sunil Tatkare and Jitendra Ahwad among others would sideline Ajit even further in the party.
Praful Patel in the new setup gets the responsibility of the party machinery in several important states while Sule has been entrusted with the responsibility of Maharashtra, Haryana, and Punjab. She would be the chief strategist for the Lok Sabha polls. But this might annoy the Ajit group. A large number of NCP MLAs are with Ajit. A face-off between the two sides is imminent.Ajit has been on the backfoot ever since his uncle and party chief Sharad Pawar announced his resignation as party president early last month, only to take back the resignation three days later on demand from senior and mid-rung party leadership. That was Pawar’s power play, showing that he had the confidence of the party and he was comfortably saddled. Sharad Pawar has once again shown that he owns the party and is capable of tough decisions when somebody wants to step out of his shadow.Earlier Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar's nephew had emerged as the chosen successor to lead the NCP. But things have changed drastically in a few months. Ajit had started drifting towards the BJP much to the consternation of Sharad Pawar who has single handedly managed the party affairs for over 20 years. Ajit had become the sole voice of dissent that crossed his path. Maharashtra politics is characterised by strong regional identities and concerns. Ajit Pawar hails from the western Maharashtra region, which has traditionally been a stronghold of the NCP. It would be difficult to say what fate awaits NCP.