The sudden and shocking demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28 has not only created a massive power vacuum in the state but also left a significant political ‘what if’ hanging in the air. Fresh revelations suggest that a historic reconciliation between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was just days away from being made official.
Pawar and Pawar Merger Planned for February 8?
According to reports from The Indian Express, merger talks between Ajit Pawar and his uncle, Sharad Pawar, were in an advanced stage. The two factions were preparing for a formal reunification following the Zilla Parishad election results, with an official announcement tentatively scheduled for February 8, 2026.
‘Merger Process was complete,’ says close associate
Kiran Gujar, a long-time confidant of the late leader, told PTI that Ajit Pawar was “one hundred percent keen” on merging the factions. “He told me five days ago that the process was complete and the merger was imminent,” Gujar revealed.
According to Gujar, Ajit Pawar had spoken to him approximately five days before the tragedy to confirm that the merger between his faction and Sharad Pawar’s NCP was finalised.
Gujar further noted that a roadmap for the future of the unified NCP had already been chalked out. Positive discussions were reportedly ongoing with “Pawar Saheb” (Sharad Pawar), Supriya Sule, and other senior leaders, with indications that the senior Pawar was ready to endorse the move.
Political Uncertainty and Foul Play Claims
While the state observes three days of official mourning, the political fallout continues. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has called for a Supreme Court-supervised investigation into the plane crash, citing concerns over “foul play” linked to the timing of the reunification. However, Sharad Pawar has urged against politicising the tragedy, maintaining that “it was an accident.”
As the investigation into the Learjet 45 crash continues, the NCP faces an uncertain immediate timeline, with the fate of the February 8 announcement now in question.
A Legacy Cut Short
The tragedy struck while Ajit Pawar was traveling to his bastion, Baramati, to campaign for the local elections. Earlier, during the local body election campaign, he had reportedly expressed his desire to merge his party with the NCP (SP) while Sharad Pawar remained in good health, aiming to secure the party’s long-term future.
“Now, after his death, it has become even more imperative that both factions come together to work for the betterment of Baramati and the state,” Gujar added, echoing a sentiment now growing among the party rank and file.