Top Leaders Resign from Ajit Pawar’s Party after Major Election Defeat

A group of leaders is likely to join the political party led by Sharad Pawar later this week, including Pimpri Chinchwad Students’ Wing chief Yash Sane, and former corporators Rahul Bhosale and Pankaj Bhalekar. Sharad Pawar announced last month that those aiming to weaken his party would not be welcomed, but he would accept leaders who would strengthen the organization without harming its image.

In 2023, the Pawar family split into two political parties after a rebellion by Ajit Pawar against his uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar. While Sharad Pawar remained in the Opposition camp, Ajit Pawar joined the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and was appointed as his deputy.

Ajit Pawar’s party contested the Lok Sabha elections as part of the BJP-led NDA, but only succeeded in winning one seat, Raigad, while his uncle’s party secured eight.