Rebel Uncle vs Nephew: Inside the Two NCP Foundation Day Events in Pune Highlighting Maharashtra’s Political Divide
Rebel Uncle, Rebel Nephew: Tale Of 2 NCP Foundation Day Events In Pune
In a rare political spectacle that highlights the deepening divide within one of Maharashtra’s most influential parties, Pune witnessed two parallel celebrations on the 26th foundation day of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on June 10, 2025. What makes this political moment more compelling is that both celebrations were carried out by factions led by the same family—uncle and nephew, Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar—now rivals in the state’s political battlefield. The split, marked officially nearly two years ago, has continued to deepen as both leaders claim the legacy of the party Sharad Pawar founded in 1999 after walking out of the Congress over ideological differences with the party high command.
The origins of this family-political divide go back to the final years of the 1990s when Maharashtra saw the emergence of a Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government for the first time. It was a period of transition and uncertainty for the Congress, further worsened when Sharad Pawar, one of its tallest leaders, chose rebellion over submission. Backed by a group of energetic and ambitious leaders from across the state—experts in education, cooperatives, and agriculture—Pawar launched the Nationalist Congress Party, with a clear vision of a more regional, self-reliant political identity. Among those who joined him early on was his own nephew, Ajit Pawar, a relatively young but fast-rising leader known for his no-nonsense, results-driven approach. Ajit’s sharp political instincts and connection to grassroots networks gave him an edge that few others possessed at the time.
Fast forward to the present day, and the tables have turned dramatically. In a move that stunned the political landscape of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar broke away from Sharad Pawar’s leadership, eventually forming a separate faction—Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar)—which was later granted official recognition and the NCP symbol by the Election Commission of India. Despite this institutional legitimacy, the emotional and ideological battle for the “real NCP” continues. Both factions continue to assert ownership over the party’s founding legacy, symbol, and public support.
On June 10, Pune became the stage for a symbolic and politically loaded showdown. The NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar, now known as NCP (Sharad Pawar) or NCP (SP), hosted a modest function at the historic Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir in Shivajinagar. The arrangements were simple, and the turnout was limited—fewer than 50 attendees, mostly local party workers. A small mandap was erected, decorated in traditional style, reflecting the quiet confidence of a leader who still commands immense respect and loyalty. “It is a very happy moment, but also one of curiosity,” said NCP (SP) Pune chief Prashant Jagtap. “The party has been in power and in opposition. In the next four months, we have local body elections coming up. Pawar saheb will give a good message for the party and for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).”
Meanwhile, around 10 kilometers away at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex, Ajit Pawar’s faction put on a show of strength. The venue was draped in vibrant pink banners, symbolizing the faction’s modern branding and aggressive political outreach. Over 100 workers were seen giving final touches to the grand setup, under the direct supervision of Parth Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s 35-year-old son and a rising political figure in his own right. The scale and style of the event spoke volumes about Ajit Pawar’s intent to establish his faction not just as the legal heir to the NCP, but as its true ideological and political successor.
This dual celebration underscores a deeper story of legacy, loyalty, ambition, and transformation. While the NCP under Sharad Pawar retains the emotional allegiance of a large section of party veterans and grassroots workers, the Ajit Pawar-led faction is leveraging administrative support, younger leadership, and strategic alliances to cement its control over the party’s future. As both sides gear up for upcoming local body elections, the split is no longer just a family feud—it’s a full-blown political reconfiguration with implications that may extend far beyond Maharashtra.
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