Relations between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have once again turned tense, following reports that the Ajit Pawar-led faction attempted to lure Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Sharad Pawar-led camp.
According to a senior party source, during the recent winter session of Parliament, Sunil Tatkare, the state NCP president aligned with Ajit Pawar, reportedly reached out to several of the eight MPs supporting Sharad Pawar. Allegedly, Tatkare offered them ministerial roles and key government positions in exchange for switching allegiances. These MPs, in turn, informed Sharad Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule, prompting the latter to bring the issue up with Praful Patel, the national working president of the party.
This move comes amid recent speculations that the two factions might reconcile. For weeks, there were signs of improved relations between Ajit and Sharad Pawar, including a visit by Ajit to wish Sharad on his birthday in December and a public remark by Ajit’s mother, Ashatai Pawar, about praying for a possible reconciliation.
Despite the speculation, a senior NCP leader dismissed the possibility of a merger, calling it “baseless.” While some party leaders on both sides expressed hopes for unity, recent events have only deepened the rift between the factions.
In response to the allegations, Tatkare denied any wrongdoing, labeling the claims as false. “I meet MPs from various parties in my official capacity. The discussions are confidential, and I have not made any such offers,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut, a close ally of the Sharad Pawar faction, accused Tatkare of seeking a position in the union government. Raut alleged that the BJP had promised a cabinet berth to NCP leaders who could secure support from MPs in Sharad Pawar’s camp, which motivated Tatkare’s actions.
The NCP has seen a shift in power dynamics since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where Sharad Pawar’s faction secured eight seats, while Ajit Pawar’s faction managed only one. However, Ajit’s faction emerged stronger in the 2020 state assembly elections, winning 41 seats, as opposed to Sharad’s 10. This has further fueled tensions within the party as both factions vie for greater political influence.
