In a clear display of the continuing divide within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), party founder Sharad Pawar and his nephew, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, will organize separate events in Pune on Tuesday to commemorate the party’s foundation day.
Both sides are working to establish their dominance and strengthen their respective courses of action after last year's dramatic division.
These concurrent celebrations coincide with speculation mounting over the possibility of a merger or coalition between the two groups, particularly as civic and local body elections draw near in Maharashtra. Regardless of the rumor, both Sharad and Ajit Pawar's factions publicly ruled out such options, claiming that they are intent on consolidating their independent political agendas.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who currently leads the breakaway NCP faction recognized by the Election Commission, shared a message on the occasion encouraging members to stay committed to driving progress across Maharashtra and the country.
Heartfelt wishes to all on the 26th anniversary of the Nationalist Congress Party! In 1999, holding dear the ideological heritage of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar and taking the progressive, revolutionary social politics of late Yashwantrao Chavan Saheb as an inspiration, we all established the Nationalist Congress Party," read a post on X by Ajit Pawar. Significantly, in the process, Sharad Pawar, the founder of the NCP, was not mentioned.
Reflecting on the journey of the party, Ajit added: “Over the past 26 years, we have played both ruling and opposition roles, making significant contributions and bringing new momentum to the politics and governance of Maharashtra as well as the nation. We will continue this journey of people-oriented social and political work unabated. Today on this anniversary, let us decide with firm resolve to bring a new dimension to the all-around growth of Maharashtra and India in the future times, and commit to walking towards a sustainable future! Once again, best wishes to everyone.
Ajit Pawar had joined the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition in July 2023, officially splitting from his uncle and later achieving the official NCP name and symbol in a court victory.
Meanwhile, Supriya Sule, Member of Parliament from Baramati and prominent leader of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) faction, emphasized her faction’s continued commitment to grassroots politics and social justice. Sule recently defeated Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, in a high-stakes Lok Sabha contest from Baramati.
In her anniversary message, Sule reaffirmed the ideological legacy of the party and paid homage to late Yashwantrao Chavan, the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra, for inspiring the party’s core values.
“Respected Pawar Saheb planted the sapling of nationalist ideology in the proud land of Maharashtra, which has now grown into a mighty banyan tree. Today marks the completion of 26 years of this event. As we celebrate our Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar faction, it really gives us immense inner satisfaction to share that we have tried to voice the oppressed, deprived, and exploited people of this country through these various forums, which reflects the justice they have gained. We have nurtured the lesson taught by the architect of modern Maharashtra, the late Yashwantrao Chavan Saheb, of 80 percent social work and 20 percent politics. Carrying this very ideology, we consistently reach out to the grassroots populace. We, the workers of nationalist ideology, are always ready to deliver justice to various sections of society, including farmers, labourers, toilers, women, and youth,” she said on X.
Sule concluded by expressing gratitude to those who have remained loyal to the original party over the years: “The steadfast support and blessings of respected Pawar Saheb are with us today, which is a matter of great value to us. The energy of his thoughts will always be a source of strength for us. On this anniversary, heartfelt congratulations to the people, workers, leaders, office-bearers, and public representatives who have stood firmly with us throughout this journey,” she wrote.
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