Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Rohit Pawar has opened the door to a potential reconciliation with his uncle, Ajit Pawar, who leads the rival NCP faction, provided Ajit severs ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking to a news channel during the NCP (SP)'s 'Mandal Yatra' in Bhandara, aimed at engaging OBC communities, Rohit emphasized that any reunion hinges on ideological alignment.

"We are fundamentally opposed to the BJP and its ideology," said Rohit, a Karjat-Jamkhed MLA and Ajit’s nephew. "If Ajit Pawar leaves the BJP and embraces Sharad Pawar’s progressive vision, a rapprochement could be considered after consulting all party office-bearers." He firmly ruled out any collaboration while Ajit remains allied with the BJP, stating, "As long as he stays with the BJP, we cannot come together."

The NCP split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar, along with 40 MLAs, joined the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, becoming Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister. This division led to a fierce rivalry, with Sharad Pawar’s faction, NCP (SP), securing eight of 10 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, while Ajit’s faction won only one of four. However, in the subsequent state assembly polls, Ajit’s NCP outperformed, clinching 41 of 57 seats compared to NCP (SP)’s 10 of 86.

Also Read: Rohit Pawar Alleges Minister Kokate Played Cards in Assembly for 22 Minutes

Speculation about a reunion has persisted, fueled by family members like Sunanda Pawar, Rohit’s mother, who recently expressed hope for unity to honor party workers’ sentiments. Despite these calls, Ajit’s faction, through leaders like Sunil Tatkare, has dismissed merger talks, reaffirming its commitment to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Mahayuti coalition.

Rohit’s remarks come amid the NCP (SP)’s strategic outreach to strengthen its base ahead of upcoming local body elections. He stressed that any decision on reconciliation would prioritize the party’s ideology and involve collective discussions, reflecting Sharad Pawar’s approach to unpredictable yet people-centric decisions. As Maharashtra’s political landscape evolves, Rohit’s conditional offer signals a potential shift, contingent on Ajit’s willingness to break from the BJP and realign with the NCP (SP)’s progressive ethos.

Also Read: Ministers Hide from Spies: Phones Off!