Archive · 31 Jan 2026
NCP Factions Merge After Ajit Pawar's Push
Ajit Pawar, a leader in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was working to merge two factions of his party.
He had completed the merger process and was waiting to finalize it.
Pawar shared his plans with his close friend, Kiran Gujar, just five days before he died in a plane crash.
The formal announcement of the merger was expected in the second week of February.
Pawar wanted to unify the party and had discussed this with his uncle, Sharad Pawar, and other leaders.
After his death, the NCP is considering Sunetra Pawar, Supriya Sule, or Praful Patel to lead the merged party.
Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar's wife, is a Rajya Sabha MP and has been involved in social and environmental causes.
The merger will change the power dynamics within the party, with both factions having different views on leadership roles and political influence.
Ajit Pawar completed the merger process of two NCP factions before his death.
The formal announcement of the merger was expected in the second week of February.
Pawar discussed the merger with his uncle Sharad Pawar and other leaders.
Potential leaders for the merged NCP include Sunetra Pawar, Supriya Sule, and Praful Patel.
Pawar died in a plane crash on Wednesday, along with four others.
- Who
- Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar, NCP factions, Sunetra Pawar
- What
- Merger of NCP factions, Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash
- When
- Five days before the fatal plane crash, formal announcement in February
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To unify the NCP factions and maintain political legacy
NCP (Ajit Pawar)
NCP (Sharad Pawar)
Leadership Role
NCP (Ajit Pawar)
The ruling NCP is keen on proposing Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar's wife, for the post of deputy CM to maintain the family's political legacy.
NCP (Sharad Pawar)
The NCP (SP) camp believes veteran leader Sharad Pawar will naturally resume a central role in guiding the unified cadre.
Power Dynamics
NCP (Ajit Pawar)
The merger would maintain the Pawar family's political influence and legacy.
NCP (Sharad Pawar)
The merger would alter the cabinet arithmetic, with NCP (SP) leaders playing pivotal roles in the state's governance and party organisation.
- Leader
- Ajit Pawar
- Faction
- Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
- Merger Status
- Complete, awaiting finalization
- Source
- Kiran Gujar (close aide)
- Timeframe
- Next few days before crash
- Announcement Date
- Second week of February
- Potential Leaders
- Sunetra Pawar, Supriya Sule, Praful Patel
- Crash Location
- Baramati airport, Pune district
- Sunetra Pawar's Education
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
- Sunetra Pawar's Role
- Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Maharashtra
- Family Details
- Wife of Ajit Pawar, mother of Jay Pawar and Parth Pawar
- Social Work
- Founder of the Environmental Forum of India
- Political Background
- Contested the Baramati Lok Sabha seat as an NCP candidate
Sources
Ajit Pawar Was Keen on Merger of Two NCP Factions Before the Fatal Plane Crash, Says Close Aide
NCP Reunion Announcement Mid-February, 4 Frontrunners For Chief: Sources
Ajit Pawar was keen on NCP factions’ merger before fatal plane crash, confidant says - Telegraph India
Will Sunetra Pawar Be DCM? Pawar Family To Decide Soon
Sunetra Ajit Pawar Education Qualification: All You Need To Know About The NCP Rajya Sabha MP
Merger of two NCP factions ‘very much on course’, but likely to change Maharashtra’s power dynamics
Ajit Pawar’s Final Journey Draws Lakhs To Baramati As State Leaders, Supporters Bid Emotional Farewell
Talks in advanced stage for merger of NCP factions, but...
CID Begins Probe Into Baramati Plane Crash That Killed Ajit Pawar
‘Sunetra Pawar To Be NCP Chief’: Chhagan Bhujbal Confirms CLP Meet Tomorrow As Party Moves To Fill Leadership Void After Ajit Pawar’s Death
Who is Sunetra Pawar? Will she become NCP chief and Maharashtra’s deputy CM
NCP Leaders Meet Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Stake Claim To Ajit Pawar's Portfolios | VIDEO
NCP leaders meet Fadnavis claiming Ajit Pawar portfolios; Sunetra Pawar likely to get Deputy CM post
Sunetra Pawar: The reluctant politician tipped to carry forward husband Ajit Pawar’s legacy
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis most likely to present Maharashtra Budget 2026-27
Maharashtra politics after Ajit Pawar: Sunetra Pawar set to lead NCP, to take oath as Maharashtra Dy CM today
Sunetra Pawar oath taking ceremony LIVE: Ajit Pawar’s wife likely to join Fadnavis govt as Deputy CM
NCP-BJP parley on Ajit Pawar vacancy: Hint of wife Sunetra as deputy CM candidate
