Several leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have returned to the faction led by Sharad Pawar after resigning from the camp led by Ajit Pawar. This notable shift occurred on Wednesday when leaders gathered at Sharad Pawar's residence in Pune. Ajit Gavhane, the former chief of NCP's Pimpri-Chinchwad unit, was among those who rejoined Sharad Pawar's faction.
Additionally, senior leaders from the Pimpri-Chinchwad unit, including Rahul Bhosale, Pankaj Bhalekar, and Yash Sane, also aligned themselves with Sharad Pawar. These leaders had resigned from their positions the previous day, citing their decision to support the veteran leader.
Supriya Sule, the working president of the NCP's Sharad Pawar faction, expressed her views on this development. She emphasised Sharad Pawar's long-standing commitment to development both in Maharashtra and at the national level.
Sule highlighted that even opposition members regard him with great hope due to his consistent dedication over the past six decades. She mentioned that the NCP has always prioritised a strong development ideology, which continues to attract people to Sharad Pawar's camp.
Ajit Gavhane, in a statement, mentioned that he, along with other party workers, planned to seek blessings from Sharad Pawar. He noted that they would strategize their next steps during a meeting of ex-corporators. Gavhane's decision to realign with Sharad Pawar reflects the significant influence and trust that the veteran leader holds within the party.
The NCP experienced a split last year when Ajit Pawar led a faction of MLAs to join the ruling coalition of the Eknath Shinde Sena and the BJP. Despite this split, Sharad Pawar's leadership remains a unifying factor for many within the NCP.
Gavhane also criticised the development work carried out by the BJP in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PPMC). He compared it unfavourably to the contributions of both Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, accusing the BJP of rampant corruption and poor governance.
He stressed that the development work in the region had deteriorated under the BJP's rule since 2017, with the sitting MLA being held accountable for these issues.
Regarding his political ambitions, Gavhane confirmed his interest in contesting the upcoming state assembly elections. This decision underscores his commitment to continuing his political career within the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the NCP.
The return of these leaders to Sharad Pawar's camp signifies a strengthening of his position within the party. It also highlights the ongoing influence and appeal of his leadership, which continues to draw support from various quarters within the NCP.
As the party navigates its internal dynamics and prepares for future electoral challenges, the realignment of these leaders could play a crucial role in shaping its strategies and outcomes.
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