Ajit Pawar Expressed Strong Desire for NCP Merger Just Days Before Tragic Accident

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was eager to merge the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party, as revealed by a close associate. The merger was expected to occur shortly before his unfortunate plane crash.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, was eager to unite the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions, according to a close associate of the late leader. This merger was reportedly on the verge of happening soon. Kiran Gujar, who has been with Ajit Pawar since before his political career began in the mid-1980s, shared this information on Thursday.

Gujar revealed that Ajit Pawar had confided in him about the merger plans just five days before a tragic plane crash on Wednesday. "He was hundred per cent keen on merging both the factions. He had told me five days ago that the entire process was complete and the merger was imminent in the next few days," Gujar stated. This sentiment was echoed during recent civic polls when Ajit Pawar expressed his intention to merge his party with NCP SP while Sharad Pawar remained in good health.

Merger Plans and Political Strategy

The two factions had contested the January 15 civic elections in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad together and planned to continue their alliance for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. Gujar mentioned that Ajit had a clear roadmap for the merger and future direction of a united NCP. Discussions were ongoing with senior leaders like Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, indicating potential support for this move.

Gujar, who has been closely associated with the Pawar family for over four decades, remained loyal to Ajit Pawar throughout his political journey. Reflecting on Ajit's early years, Gujar recalled how Ajit entered politics after winning an election at the Chhatrapati Cooperative Sugar Mill in 1981. Initially hesitant, Ajit focused on family and farming until Sharad Pawar became chief minister in the late 1980s, prompting a need for young leadership in Baramati.

Impact of Ajit Pawar's Leadership

"Many positive things were on the cards, but this tragedy struck and took Ajit 'dada' elder brother, as he was popularly known away from us," Gujar lamented. He emphasised that now, more than ever, it is crucial for both factions to unite for Baramati's and Maharashtra's progress. Despite ongoing development efforts, Gujar believes a leader like Ajit dada will not emerge again.

Ajit's commitment to merging the factions was evident during recent civic elections when he shared his intentions with select journalists. The collaboration between factions during these elections demonstrated a step towards unity. As discussions with senior leaders progressed positively, there were signs that Sharad Pawar might endorse this unification effort.

The loss of Ajit Pawar has intensified calls for unity within the NCP factions to continue working towards regional development. Gujar's insights into Ajit's political journey highlight his dedication to Baramati's growth and leadership role within Maharashtra's political landscape.

With inputs from PTI