Nationalist Congress Party faces internal rift after Ajit Pawar’s death

Following the death of senior NCP figure Ajit Pawar, the party appointed his widow Sunetra Pawar as national president and Maharashtra deputy chief minister. Former national general secretary Brijmohan Shrivastav said a severe communication void has emerged, hampering daily operations and fueling resentment among office‑bearers and grassroots workers.

A legal notice from former national secretary Sachidanand Singh challenged Sunetra Pawar’s selection, arguing it must follow the party constitution. Shrivastav described the dispute as a “vacuum” left by Ajit Pawar, noting lack of dialogue even among top leaders such as Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel.

Within the party, at least half of its ten MLAs are reportedly considering aligning with the BJP‑led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for easier access to development funds and administrative approvals, rather than remaining in opposition. Senior leaders have not called a meeting to address the growing split, and Sunil Pawar has not responded publicly.