Ajit Pawar’s Death: Who Takes the NCP Reins and Can Sharad Pawar Heal the Rift?

A Sudden Tragedy Shakes Maharashtra
The Immense Leadership Vacuum in the NCP
Who Are the Potential Successors?
Can Sharad Pawar Reunite the Factions?
What This Means for Maharashtra’s Political Future
Conclusion: An Uncertain Road Ahead
Sources

A Sudden Tragedy Shakes Maharashtra

In a devastating turn of events on the morning of January 28, 2026, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) chief Ajit Pawar lost his life in a plane crash near Baramati [[2]]. The news sent shockwaves across the nation, plunging the state into mourning with a three-day state holiday declared [[1], [5]]. At 66, Pawar was not just a senior minister but a colossal figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape, serving as its longest-serving Deputy CM [[3]]. His sudden demise has left an irreplaceable void, not just in his family but in the very heart of the Nationalist Congress Party.

The Immense Leadership Vacuum in the NCP

Ajit Pawar wasn’t merely a leader; he was the central pillar holding up his faction of the NCP. His ability to navigate complex alliances, including the controversial one with the BJP, was a key to his power. Now, with that pillar gone, a profound NCP leadership crisis has erupted. The party structure under him was heavily centralized, with no clear second-in-command groomed for succession [[10]]. This lack of a ready heir apparent has thrown the party into immediate disarray, leaving its cadres and allies scrambling for direction.

Who Are the Potential Successors?

The race to fill Ajit Pawar’s shoes is fraught with uncertainty. Several names are being floated, but none possess his unique blend of mass appeal, administrative clout, and political acumen.

Family Legacy: Sunetra and Parth Pawar

All eyes have naturally turned to his immediate family. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, and son, Parth Pawar, are now at the center of the succession debate [[13]]. While they carry the powerful Pawar surname, both lack substantial political experience. Parth, despite previous attempts to build a youth base, has not yet established himself as a formidable leader in his own right. The party may rally around them as a symbolic gesture, but their ability to command loyalty from seasoned party veterans is a major question mark.

Seasoned Veterans: Praful Patel and Chagan Bhujbal

Among the party’s old guard, Praful Patel emerges as a strong contender. A founding member of the NCP, former Union Minister, and a seasoned strategist, Patel is arguably the most senior and experienced leader left in the Ajit Pawar camp [[11], [15]]. However, his influence is more organizational than mass-based. Another veteran, Chagan Bhujbal, is noted as a mass leader but has reportedly taken a step back from active politics in recent years [[17]]. Other leaders like Jayant Patil and Hasan Mushrif are respected but may lack the statewide pull needed to unite the faction [[16]].

Can Sharad Pawar Reunite the Factions?

The most intriguing question on everyone’s mind is whether this tragedy will pave the way for a reunion between the two estranged NCP factions. Just weeks before the crash, there were signs of a thaw. The two camps, led by uncle Sharad Pawar and nephew Ajit Pawar, had announced an alliance for the upcoming civic body elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad [[19], [21], [22]]. This opportunistic alliance was seen as a strategic move to counter the BJP’s dominance in their traditional strongholds [[24]].

With Ajit Pawar gone, the primary obstacle to a full merger—his direct rivalry with his uncle—has vanished. Sharad Pawar, the party’s founder and a statesman of national stature, is now the undisputed patriarch of the Pawar clan. Political analysts speculate that he may see this moment of crisis as the perfect opportunity to bring his family’s party back together under one banner [[26]]. For the rudderless Ajit Pawar faction, a merger offers stability, a clear leadership path, and access to Sharad Pawar’s enduring goodwill. However, deep-seated mistrust and the memory of the bitter 2019 split could still pose significant hurdles.

What This Means for Maharashtra’s Political Future

The fallout from this event extends far beyond the NCP’s internal dynamics. It has the potential to reshape Maharashtra’s entire political equation. The current Maha Yuti government, a coalition of the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, now faces a critical test. The NCP’s future stance within this alliance is uncertain. If the faction merges with Sharad Pawar’s group, which is part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), it could trigger a major realignment, potentially destabilizing the ruling coalition [[INTERNAL_LINK:maharashtra-political-alliances-explained]].

For now, the immediate focus is on the funeral and the emotional aftermath. But in the corridors of power in Mumbai and Delhi, the chess pieces are already being moved. The battle for the soul of the NCP has begun, and its outcome will determine the fate of Maharashtra’s government.

Conclusion: An Uncertain Road Ahead

The death of Ajit Pawar marks the end of an era for Maharashtra politics. The ensuing NCP leadership battle is not just about who gets the top post; it’s about the very identity and future of a party that has been a kingmaker in the state for decades. While a merger with Sharad Pawar’s faction seems like the most logical path forward, the road is paved with emotional complexities and political calculations. In the coming days and weeks, every statement from a party leader and every move by Sharad Pawar will be scrutinized for clues about what comes next. One thing is certain: the political landscape of Maharashtra will never be the same again.