On June 23, 2022, Ajit Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, surprised everyone by joining hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form a government in the state. This was a major setback for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, which was led by the Shiv Sena and included the NCP and the Congress.
Ajit Pawar's decision to switch sides was seen as a betrayal by many in the NCP, including his uncle Sharad Pawar. Sharad Pawar, who is the chairman of the NCP, immediately expelled Ajit Pawar from the party.
The BJP-led government in Maharashtra lasted for just 8 days. On June 30, 2022, the MVA government was reinstated after the Supreme Court ordered a floor test in the state assembly.
In the wake of the power tussle, Sharad Pawar has chosen to play hardball with his nephew. He has refused to meet Ajit Pawar and has said that he will not allow him to rejoin the NCP.
The power tussle between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar has had a major impact on Maharashtra politics. It has also raised questions about the future of the NCP.
It remains to be seen how the power tussle between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar will play out in the long run. However, it is clear that the two leaders are now on opposite sides of the political divide.
