Sharad Pawar Faces Setback as All 7 NCP MLAs in Nagaland Back Ajit Pawar

In a significant blow to Sharad Pawar, all seven MLAs of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Nagaland have declared their support for Ajit Pawar. In a joint statement released today, the Nagaland NCP office's party workers have also pledged their allegiance to Ajit Pawar.

Earlier this month, Ajit Pawar, along with eight other NCP MLAs, joined the alliance government of Maharashtra's Shiv Sena and BJP, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This move caused a split within the NCP, the party founded by Sharad Pawar.

Ajit Pawar's strategic maneuver is reminiscent of Mr. Shinde's breakaway from the Shiv Sena when Uddhav Thackeray was Chief Minister. Eventually, Mr. Shinde gained control of the Shiv Sena.

In 2019, the Shiv Sena terminated its alliance with the BJP and formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Congress and NCP.

The government's downfall occurred last year when Shinde parted ways with the party and allied with the BJP to establish a new government.

Ajit Pawar has firmly asserted his leadership over what he calls the "real NCP" and has garnered support from senior party leaders like Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Dilip Walse Patil.

However, Sharad Pawar also asserts his claim as the leader of the "real NCP," taking action against several senior leaders for alleged "anti-party activities."