Late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was keen to unite the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) before his sudden death in a plane crash, according to a close associate.
Kiran Gujar, who had known Ajit Pawar since before he entered politics in the mid-1980s, said the leader had spoken to him about the merger just five days before the fatal crash on Wednesday. Gujar told news agency PTI that the process was almost complete.
“He was fully committed to merging both factions. He told me the work was done and the merger would happen in a few days,” Gujar said.
During recent civic elections, the two NCP factions had contested together as allies. Ajit Pawar had also shared his intention of merging with the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) with a few journalists. At that time, Sharad Pawar, his uncle, was said to be in good health.
After the January 15 civic polls in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, both factions had decided to continue their alliance for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. Gujar said Ajit Pawar had prepared a clear roadmap for the merger and for the future of the united party.
When asked if Sharad Pawar was involved in the talks, Gujar said discussions were positive. He added that talks included Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule and other senior leaders, and there were signs of support from the senior Pawar.
Gujar said Ajit Pawar’s death has made the need for unity even stronger. He felt both factions should now come together to honour his vision and work for the development of Baramati and Maharashtra.
Recalling Ajit Pawar’s early life, Gujar said he was initially hesitant to join politics and wanted to focus on farming and family life. However, the need for young leadership in Baramati later pushed him into public life.
“The region will continue to develop, but a leader like Ajit Pawar will not come again,” Gujar said.
