Sharad vs Sunetra: Why hope of reconciliation is broken, PK’s game changer entry is NCP’s new bet

The ongoing merger discussions between Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar factions have now come to a complete halt. The increasing tussle within the party, dissatisfaction regarding the increasing role and leadership of Parth Pawar has created a new distance in the relations between the two camps. Meanwhile, the discussion about possible entry of election strategist Prashant Kishor in NCP has added new excitement to the politics of Maharashtra. The question now is not just about the breakdown of the merger, but whether the Sunetra group is preparing to establish itself as a new political force with the help of Prashant Kishore.

The long-running speculations in Maharashtra politics have finally come to an end. Sharad Pawar led NCP-SP has made it clear that now the possibility of any kind of merger with the Sunetra Pawar led faction is over. In the important meeting of the party, it was decided that now the entire focus of the organization will be on strengthening itself and making the opposition politics aggressive in collaboration with Mahavikas Aghadi.

State President Shashikant Shinde said in clear words that “the issue of merger is now over” and there will be no further talks. This statement ended all those discussions in which the possibility of the two groups coming together again was being expressed.

After all, what is the latest controversy which has spoiled the relationship?

The biggest reason for halting the possibilities of merger is believed to be not just political differences but the growing uneasiness within the organization. Dissatisfaction in the Sunetra group regarding Parth Pawar’s rapidly increasing role continued to deepen. Many senior leaders of the party felt that decisions were becoming limited to a few people and the role of old leaders was being reduced.

Meeting of senior leaders like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare with Sharad Pawar was also considered a sign of this dissatisfaction. The message went out in political circles that there was a serious tussle going on within the party regarding leadership style and balance of power.

Apart from this, the discussion of organizational reshuffle, giving important responsibilities to close people and centralization of power also increased the controversy further. Many leaders feared that if the merger happens, their political role may be further limited.

How is Parth Pawar’s role the biggest political issue?

After the demise of Ajit Pawar, the command of the party gradually appeared to concentrate around Sunetra Pawar and her sons Parth and Jai Pawar. Especially the rapidly increasing influence of Parth Pawar started making the old leaders of the party uncomfortable.

Political analysts believe that two opinions were formed within the party regarding Parth’s working style. One section considers him an aggressive leader of the new generation, while the other section sees it as inexperienced leadership and excessive centralization. This is the reason why the cracks within the party continued to widen.

Can PK’s entry change the politics of Sunetra group?

The biggest discussion among all this is about the possible entry of election strategist Prashant Kishore. There are reports that Sunetra Pawar’s group is in talks with Prashant Kishore’s team to revamp the organization and political strategy.

If this alliance takes final form, the party can try to change its image, reach out to new voter groups and create a new story of youth leadership. However, some leaders within the party fear that this may further weaken the old organizational structures.

What is the story from party division to conflict?

The current political tension started with the split of NCP in 2023. At that time Ajit Pawar went with the BJP led government, while Sharad Pawar separated and took charge of NCP-SP.

After this, the politics of Maharashtra continued to be divided into two factions. Although there were occasional talks of the two groups coming together again, the lack of trust regarding leadership, organization and political control never ended. After the death of Ajit Pawar, this struggle intensified as different power centers started emerging within the party regarding new leadership.

What will happen next now?

After the possibility of merger is over, both the groups are now seen moving forward on different political paths. Sharad Pawar’s faction, along with Mahavikas Aghadi, is preparing to corner the government on issues like inflation, fuel prices, unemployment and NEET controversy. On the other hand, Sunetra Pawar’s group will try to establish itself as an independent political force through organizational restructuring and new strategy.

Now the biggest question is whether the Sunetra faction will be able to handle the internal discontent or will there be further divisions in the party. The challenge before the Sharad Pawar camp will be how strong it is able to keep its old support base and cadre even without merger. The upcoming local body and assembly elections in Maharashtra politics can prove to be the real test of this struggle.

Why is Parth Pawar in the headlines?

Parth Pawar is counted among the leaders of the new generation of Pawar family in Maharashtra politics. He is the son of late Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar. Parth Pawar came into limelight for the first time when he contested from Maval seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Although he had to face defeat, he still remained active in party organization and strategic decisions. His role within the NCP has increased rapidly in recent years. In political circles, he is seen as an influential face of the next generation of the Pawar family.

Who is Rohit Pawar?

Rohit Pawar is among the prominent youth leaders of the NCP-SP camp. He is a relative of Sharad Pawar and is considered part of the influential Pawar family associated with Baramati. Rohit Pawar has been an MLA in the Maharashtra Assembly and remains in the news due to his different political style, social media activity and youthful image. He is considered the most prominent face of the new generation of Sharad Pawar camp. His activism on issues like agriculture, employment and rural economy gives him a distinct identity from other youth leaders.

Who is Jai Pawar?

Jai Pawar is also a member of the new generation of the Pawar family and is said to be the son of Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar. Jai Pawar is not yet considered to be as active a public political face as Parth Pawar, but there has been constant talk of increasing his role in the political activities of the organization and the family. After the demise of Ajit Pawar, his name also started appearing prominently in the family-centric leadership structure.

What is the political difference between the three?

• Parth Pawar is seen as an aggressive and fast-rising organizational leader.
• Rohit Pawar has been identified as the modern face of public relations, youth politics and Sharad Pawar camp.
• Jai Pawar is currently keeping a relatively low-profile, but discussions are increasing about his role in the family’s political legacy.