NCP's internal struggles: Sharad Pawar's desperation in Maharashtra Assembly Polls

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is facing serious internal conflict in the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections, which is exposing a complicated struggle for influence and survival within the organization. Recent remarks from both sides demonstrate the desperation and calculated moves being used by NCP founder Sharad Pawar to try to keep his party relevant in the face of a huge division.

Sharad Pawar made a significant plea on June 25, saying that MLAs who had deserted to Ajit Pawar's group would be welcomed back by his party. Many saw this speech as an effort to shore up his waning power and guarantee strong candidates for the next elections. The following day, NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil reacted, characterizing Sharad Pawar's outreach as an indication of desperation. "With only a few MLAs, Sharad Pawar saheb's party is struggling, and he is currently searching for leaders who will run on its ticket," Patil said, highlighting the difficulties that Sharad Pawar's group is facing.

'नुकत्याच झालेल्या लोकसभा निवडणुकीत महाराष्ट्रातील जनतेने असली कोण आणि नकली कोण? याचा फैसला केला आहे. शिवसेना आणि राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस या दोन्ही पक्षाच्या बाबतीत लोकांचा कौल मिळाला आहे. आगामी विधानसभा निवडणुकीत महाविकास आघाडीला मोठं यश मिळेल.' #JayantPatil #SharadPawar pic.twitter.com/X2B1DvTm97

— Sarkarnama (@SarkarnamaNews) June 26, 2024

With 54 seats won in the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the NCP established a significant political footprint in the state. Nevertheless, the party's unity did not last long. The party saw a dramatic division by 2023, with 41 MLAs, led by Ajit Pawar, allying with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party's unity and Sharad Pawar's leadership were severely harmed by this defection.

The subsequent move by the Election Commission to permit Ajit Pawar to keep the NCP's name and emblem solidified the division and made Sharad Pawar's attempts to reunite his party more difficult. Sharad Pawar is unflinching in the face of these losses, indicating that returnees are welcome back to bolster his faction within the NCP.

Under Ajit Pawar's direction, the NCP is choosing candidates strategically in anticipation of the next elections. Umesh Patil stated that thorough surveys evaluating the effectiveness and standing of present MLAs would have an impact on the party's decision to field candidates. This data-driven approach matches candidate selection to popular sentiment in an effort to maximize electoral performance.

#ParliamentSession ⚡

He is Nilesh Lankhe, NCP(Sharad Pawar) MP from Maharashtra

During election his opponent from BJP challenged him to speak in English & made fun

Today after defeating him, he took oath in English 🔥😅#Emergency #IndiraGandhi #ED

pic.twitter.com/TJ4ZoZyVxT

— Veena Jain (@DrJain21) June 25, 2024

Patil conceded that if survey results showed negative voter sentiment, some MLAs might not be renominated. He did, however, reaffirm that individuals who were not fielded would still be important figures in the party, emphasizing the importance of preserving internal harmony and making the most of everyone's abilities.

The NCP's other powerful leader, Rohit Pawar, has added to the internal dynamics by claiming that 17–18 MLAs are communicating with the party high leadership about a possible change of allegiance. Sharad Pawar reiterated this view, saying that the party is willing to accept defectors back, but he also underlined that decisions must be made by party leaders in unanimity.

The NCP's current predicament is representative of a larger pattern in Indian politics where party stability and electoral chances are severely impacted by internal conflicts and revolving alliances. Sharad Pawar's attempts to regain power are a reflection of his steadfast will to uphold the NCP's standing in Maharashtra politics and his political legacy. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar's side is preparing for the next elections by carefully positioning itself, helped by the backing of the BJP and the majority of the party's MLAs.