The NCP (Ajit Pawar) camp convened a meeting at a five-star hotel in Mumbai to address internal party issues and discuss the outcomes of the recent Lok Sabha elections. This meeting was called in response to claims from Sharad Pawar's faction that several MLAs were in contact with them and considering returning to Sharad Pawar's camp.
However, at least five legislators from Ajit Pawar's camp, namely Dharmarao Baba Atram, Narhari Zirwal, Sunil Tingre, Rajendra Shingane, and Anna Bansode, did not attend the meeting. Sources revealed this absence amid ongoing internal strife within the party.
Ajit Pawar's faction has been dealing with dissatisfaction over their poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections, especially following the significant loss in Baramati, where Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, was defeated by Supriya Sule. The faction contested four Lok Sabha seats but secured only one in Raigad.
Reports earlier suggested that around 10 to 15 MLAs from Ajit Pawar's camp were in touch with Sharad Pawar's faction. NCP (Sharad Pawar) state president Jayant Patil mentioned that several leaders were in communication with them and that the proposals would be considered in their upcoming meetings on June 9 and during their foundation day on June 10. However, Ajit Pawar's faction dismissed these reports as 'fake news'.
This internal conflict comes ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections due later this year. The rift within the NCP began last year when Ajit Pawar rebelled against his uncle, Sharad Pawar, leading to a split in the party. Ajit Pawar, along with several other MLAs, subsequently joined the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, Mahayuti, in the state.
