NCP Factional Feud: Dissent in Ajit Pawar’s Camp, Sharad Pawar’s NCP Claims ‘Ghar Wapsi’

Ajit Pawar‘s camp dismissed the chances of MLAs exiting their ranks, as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faces a factional feud following the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s recognition of the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar. However, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP is confident, claiming that there is unrest in Ajit Pawar’s camp and that their party will see a ‘ghar wapsi’.

Former minister Anil Deshmukh, who is aligned with Sharad Pawar’s camp, stated that many MLAs are in touch with them and are expressing their desire to cross over to their side. He also mentioned that even some BJP MLAs are unhappy and may join their ranks before the elections. Deshmukh affirmed that despite the EC verdict, their party remains intact.

In response, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP dismissed the idea of MLAs leaving their ranks, stating that they are now the ‘real’ NCP and that migration to their fold is more likely. NCP Chief Spokesperson Umesh Patil reiterated that their doors are open for all.

Meanwhile, The Indian Express Pvt Ltd reported that the NCP claims that 95% of the party is already with Ajit Pawar, and only a handful of leaders have shown political convenience. Patil acknowledged that some leaders desire to contest elections from constituencies currently held by the BJP or Shinde Sena, and hence, they remain with their respective parties for now.

The factional feud between Ajit Pawar’s camp and Sharad Pawar’s camp has elevated tensions within the NCP, with both sides making contradictory claims. Despite the setbacks faced by the Sharad Pawar faction, they express confidence in maintaining their party’s unity and reveal their plans for expansion before the upcoming elections.