On Wednesday, Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, announced that he would no longer continue as the leader of opposition and instead wished to show people how to run the party by taking up a role in the party’s administration. Ajit’s move came shortly after Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, was made the working president of the party and made in-charge of Maharashtra. Although Ajit emphasised that his decision was not a ploy to secure a senior position, political observers speculate that there may be some underlying tension within the party as he seeks to assume the role of Maharashtra NCP president. Moreover, Ajit has pointed out that the state NCP chief Jayant Patil’s tenure has exceeded three years and that a succession plan is necessary for the party.
During the party’s 25th anniversary celebration at Shanmukhananda Hall, Ajit made his announcement to the delight of his followers. “Give me any position in the party, and I will do justice to it; I am giving my word,” he said. Although the final decision lies with the party leadership, Ajit expressed his desire to be relieved of his role as the leader of opposition and take on a new position within the party. He also announced that he had taken on the position of leader of opposition at the party’s MLAs’ insistence and had fulfilled all responsibilities so far.
Political analysts suggest that this move is indicative of deeper issues within the party and Ajit’s quest to take on a leading role in the state unit. Apparently, Ajit believes that Jayant Patil, a trusted aide of Sharad Pawar, has not done enough to strengthen the party. According to one NCP leader, who is close to Ajit, Even the MLAs are not happy with Patil, who has completed five years as the state president. They want Ajit dada to lead the state unit.
This development is significant since Sharad Pawar had announced his resignation as national president on May 2 amid speculations that Ajit and a group of NCP legislators were putting pressure on him to join hands with the BJP. However, two days later, he withdrew his decision and stated that he would ask senior partymen to draw up a succession plan soon. On June 10, Pawar declared Praful Patel and Supriya Sule as the new working presidents of the party. The tensions within the NCP suggest that there may be more changes in store for the party as it heads towards the state elections next year.
