NCP vs NCP in Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar’s Faction Clinches 29 Seats, Sharad Pawar’s Party Wins 6

In a high-stakes battle between the two rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar’s faction emerged victorious, securing 29 seats in the state assembly elections. His faction, which is part of the Mahayuti alliance, decisively defeated the group led by his uncle, Sharad Pawar, who managed to win only 6 seats.

Election Results Overview

• Ajit Pawar’s faction contested 59 seats and won or was leading in 41 constituencies, according to the latest figures from the Election Commission.
• In contrast, Sharad Pawar’s NCP (NCP-SP) had fielded 86 candidates but only achieved 10 victories.

Family Rift and the Election Outcome

The rift between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar has been brewing since last year when Ajit, along with 41 MLAs, broke away to join the Shiv Sena and BJP-led Mahayuti government, sparking a bitter intra-family rivalry. This split marked a major turning point for the NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar.

• Ajit Pawar’s faction not only won big in several constituencies but also inflicted a significant blow by defeating his own cousin, Supriya Sule, who had earlier beaten Ajit’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, in the Baramati constituency during the Lok Sabha polls.

Key Contest Outcomes

• Sindhkhed Raja: Manoj Kayande (NCP) defeated Rajendra Shingane (NCP-SP), a former ally of Ajit Pawar.
• Aheri: In a fierce family rivalry, Dharmarao Atram (NCP) triumphed over his daughter, Bhagyashree (NCP-SP).
• Yeola: Chhagan Bhujbal (NCP) defeated Manikrao Shinde (NCP-SP).
• Shahapur: Daulat Daroda (NCP) won against Pandurang Barora (NCP-SP).
• Anushaktinagar, Mumbai: Sana Malik (daughter of former minister Nawab Malik) defeated Fahad Ahmad (husband of actor Swara Bhasker).
• Dindori: Narhari Zirwal (NCP) retained his seat, defeating Sunita Charoskar (NCP-SP).

Notable Victories and Defeats

• **Minister Dhananjay Munde secured a major win in Parli, Beed, with a margin of over 1.4 lakh votes.
• **Minister Hasan Mushrif triumphed in Kagal against Samarjit Ghatge.
• In Majalgaon, Prakash Solanke (NCP) defeated Mohan Jagtap (NCP-SP).

Despite these triumphs, some NCP-SP candidates managed to score victories. Notable NCP-SP winners include:

• Jitendra Awhad who defeated Najeeb Mulla in Mumbra Kalwa.
• Bapusaheb Pathare who triumphed over Sunil Tingre in Vadgaon Sheri.
• **State NCP-SP chief Jayant Patil defeated Nishikant Patil in Islampur.

Voting Percentage and Voter Sentiment

• Sharad Pawar’s faction secured 11.29% of the total votes, while Ajit Pawar’s faction received 9.01%.
• Despite Sharad Pawar’s call for voters to decisively reject the “traitors,” his faction’s appeal did not resonate as strongly with the electorate.