Ajit Pawar Splits NCP: Key Takeaways

Ajit Pawar's decision to join hands with the NDA set off a mini earthquake in not only Maharashtra politics but also sent aftershocks at a national level.

With less than 12 months to go to the Lok Sabha polls, the current development is expected to have a significant impact on the General Elections. Here are some key takeaways from today's development:

The Split Raises Questions On Opposition Unity
Pawar and eight other NCP leaders joining the Eknath Shinde-led government has severely dented the opposition unity move of 15 parties, which had come together last month in Patna to put up a united fight against the BJP in view of 2024 polls.

However, even prior to this recent setback, the efforts towards unity were hindered by conflicts among key players. Notably, there is a visible animosity between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, as well as a series of verbal exchanges between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress in West Bengal.

BJP Back In Driver Seat In Maharashtra
The BJP is back in the driver's seat in Maharashtra following the current development. It is now in a position to create a formidable alliance, which can boost its stranglehold over the state during the Lok Sabha elections. This also comes as a setback to the MVA comprising Uddhav Thackery-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar's NCP and the Congress. The new alliance represents a formidable electoral control over different regions of Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats.

A Blow For Congress
The NCP leaders were upset with Sharad Pawar after sharing the stage with Rahul Gandhi in Patna. This, and the spat between the Congress and powerful regional parties, raises the question of whether popular regional leaders will accept Gandhi's leadership in the opposition coalition.

No 'Pawar' Play?
Known as a wily politician, Sharad Pawar has always been a master when it comes to outsmarting his opponents, but it seems like not this time. The BJP has pulled a rabbit out of the hat using Ajit Pawar. This leaves him greatly weakened.

We have to see what will be his next move and one can expect some clarity on it on Monday as he as he is scheduled to address the public.