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Maharashtra Mahayuti Government Faces New Challenges After NCP Leader Ajit Pawar Passes Away
The sudden death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday has created political turmoil throughout Maharashtra. Pawar served as an important Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader who held a vital role in the state’s Mahayuti government.
His death followed multiple years of political instability, which saw the Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress, and BJP-led coalition parties forming and breaking alliances.
Leadership Void in the NCP
Ajit Pawar headed the NCP, which commands 41 lawmakers and holds significant influence in western and northern Maharashtra. A senior NCP leader said, “There are only two senior leaders in the party—Sunil Tatkare and Chhagan Bhujbal. Sunetra or Parth will prefer to take up Ajit’s place in the government. In both cases, there are doubts about whether they would be able to enjoy the support of the party’s MLAs for long.” The choice of successor will be critical for party unity.
Impact on the Mahayuti Government
In the short term, the Mahayuti government, with 230 of 288 assembly members, is expected to remain stable. However, Ajit Pawar’s absence could shift dynamics. A senior BJP minister said, “Compared to Eknath Shinde, Ajit dada was a much less troublesome ally. He was cooperative and well aware of his limitations. Fadnavis will miss him. Now, Shinde could become a little stronger in the government.”
Future of the Party and Alliance
Pawar’s leadership had attracted 40 of 54 NCP legislators to his side in 2023. The senior NCP leader added, “Several MLAs may choose to shift to parties that would suit their interests. This is unlikely to happen immediately, as there are no major elections scheduled until the next Lok Sabha elections. However, things could change after a couple of years, and the party could lose its strength or position.”
Navigating Political Uncertainty
Ajit Pawar’s death leaves a leadership vacuum that could shape Maharashtra politics for years. The current stability of the Mahayuti government depends on two factors: NCP internal alignment and its upcoming leadership decisions. The upcoming months will show how the party keeps its members together while the alliance adapts to the unexpected power transition.