Lok Sabha Elections: In a surprising political development, several MLAs from Ajit Pawars faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are reportedly seeking to reconnect with Sharad Pawars original NCP ahead of the state assembly elections. This comes in the wake of NCP (Sharad Pawar) candidates Nilesh Lanke and Bajrang Sonawane securing victories in the Ahmednagar and Beed Lok Sabha constituencies.Shifting AllegiancesLanke and Sonawane, who switched allegiance from Ajit Pawar to Sharad Pawars camp during the ticket distribution for the Lok Sabha polls, have evidently triggered a wave of reconsideration among their peers. Rohit Pawar, the Karjat-Jamkhed MLA and grandnephew of Sharad Pawar, revealed on Wednesday, “Nearly 18 to 19 MLAs from Ajit Pawars camp are interested in returning to the party. However, those who stood by Sharad Pawar during challenging times remain the partys priority.”Party Leaderships StanceNCP (Sharad Pawar) state president Jayant Patil commented on the situation, stating that the ultimate decision to readmit these MLAs lies with Sharad Pawar himself. “The Lok Sabha results were announced on Tuesday, and some MLAs are already reflecting on their choices. However, we have not yet deliberated on their return. The party will decide after consulting Sharad Pawar,” Patil said.Discontent in Ajit Pawars CampAjit Pawars NCP managed to secure only one seat in the recent elections, leading to visible discontent among his supporters. The partys overall performance, with only four out of 48 constituencies in Maharashtra, has prompted some MLAs to reconsider their political alliances. A senior NCP leader explained, “Leaders supported Ajit Pawar with the hope that the party would flourish under the Mahayuti government. However, the current results have caused dissatisfaction.”Implications for the FutureAs the assembly elections approach, the potential return of these MLAs to Sharad Pawars camp could significantly impact the political landscape. The re-alignment of loyalties within the NCP might alter power dynamics and influence voter sentiment across the state. The upcoming decisions by Sharad Pawar and his party leadership will be crucial in shaping the future course of the NCP in Maharashtra.This unfolding situation underscores the fluid nature of political alliances and the strategic manoeuvring that often precedes major elections. The developments will be closely watched by political analysts and voters alike, as they hold implications for the broader political stability and governance in Maharashtra.
