Pawar family’s new political challenge in the path of NCP merger, Parth-Rohit’s claim increases the problem

Amid talks of coming together of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions, the tussle within the family over the Baramati seat has intensified. Is the political ambition of the third generation once again becoming a hindrance in NCP’s unity?

Knews Desk- There has been speculation for a long time about the possible merger of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra politics. There were indications of coming together between Sharad Pawar led NCP (SP) and Ajit Pawar faction on several occasions, but now this exercise seems to be running into difficulties once again.

According to sources, the biggest obstacle to the merger is arising within the Pawar family regarding the Baramati assembly seat. It is being said that Sunetra Pawar wants to secure the political future of her son Parth Pawar, while Sharad Pawar’s grandson Rohit Pawar is also trying to strengthen his claim on this seat.

Baramati seat became the center of political war of Pawar family

Baramati assembly constituency has been the center of political identity of the Pawar family for decades. Ajit Pawar was MLA from this seat for a long time. After his demise, political competition seems to be increasing among the next generation of the family regarding this seat.

Sunetra Pawar wants her son Parth Pawar to get a chance from Baramati seat. Parth had earlier contested elections from Maval Lok Sabha seat, but he had to face defeat. In such a situation, Baramati is being considered important for his political revival.

On the other hand, Rohit Pawar is also trying to make a strong place for himself in the political legacy of the Pawar family. Presently he is the MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed and is among the young faces of Sharad Pawar faction.

Pawar family’s political fight reaches third generation

The struggle for power and political legacy in the Pawar family is not new. Earlier, the main reason for difference of opinion between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar was regarding leadership and political succession. During that period, Ajit Pawar’s displeasure regarding the increasing political role of Supriya Sule came to light.

Now this political tussle seems to be reaching the third generation of the family. The increasing competition between Parth Pawar and Rohit Pawar has created a new challenge regarding the possible merger of NCP.

Are family ambitions stopping NCP’s unity?

Many NCP leaders and workers believe that the party’s support base is weakening due to both the factions contesting elections separately. The division of Maratha votes may also affect the political strength of the party.

Despite this, consensus is not being reached at the leadership level. The reason is being considered more for political future and claim for seats within the family than ideology.

Double challenge in front of Ajit Pawar group

The leaders of Ajit Pawar group are in a difficult situation at this time. On one hand, many leaders seem to be in favor of going with Sharad Pawar to strengthen the organization and secure its political future, while on the other hand, Sunetra and Parth Pawar are not ready to back down for their political interests.

In the Lok Sabha elections, Sunetra Pawar was defeated by Supriya Sule on Baramati seat. In such a situation, Parth’s claim on the assembly seat is being considered very important for him.

Who will benefit if the merger does not happen?

If there is no agreement between the two factions of NCP, then both the factions may contest against each other in the coming elections. Other big parties in the state can benefit from this.

At the same time, considering Sharad Pawar’s political hold, some leaders may return to his camp again, which may increase the organizational challenge before the Ajit Pawar faction.

At present, the merger of NCP is not just a matter of meeting of two political factions, but it is also linked to the political legacy of the Pawar family and the future of the coming generation. The ongoing tussle over Baramati seat has made this entire exercise more complicated.