Pune: A fresh wave of political speculation has gripped Maharashtra after workers from the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) launched a high-profile banner campaign in Pune, appealing for a reunion of the party’s two warring factions. The campaign, prominently displayed at Deccan Chowk, calls upon party MP Supriya Sule to take charge and fulfill her “wish” of reuniting the NCP.
The development follows a recent statement by party patriarch Sharad Pawar, who publicly said he “would not be surprised” if both NCP factions reunited in the near future. His remarks have added momentum to ongoing discussions about possible reconciliation between his camp and the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Further fuelling speculation, a video showing a seemingly cordial exchange between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar at a recent public event went viral on social media. Sensing an opportunity, party workers in Pune led by Vinayak Gaikwad, Vice President of Youth NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) from the Kothrud Assembly segment, launched an emotional banner campaign.
“Fulfill Supriya Tai Saheb’s wish. Saheb (Sharad Pawar) has entrusted you with the authority to decide. Let’s reunite with Ajit Dada and be one family again. Maharashtra eagerly awaits this unity.”
The visuals prominently feature Supriya Sule alongside Ajit Pawar, and another of all three leaders—Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, and Ajit Pawar—together, symbolizing the call for unity.
While the initiative has energized certain sections of the party, it has also revealed deep internal divisions. Many loyalists in the Sharad Pawar faction, who stood by him after Ajit Pawar aligned with the BJP-led Mahayuti government, remain wary. They fear losing their political relevance or being sidelined in a potential realignment.
Conversely, some leaders across both factions are reportedly lobbying for reconciliation, eager to restore the party’s former strength and unity in the run-up to future elections.
All eyes are now on the Sharad Pawar faction’s executive committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, in Mumbai. Sources indicate that the prospect of a formal reunion will be a key point of discussion. Several grassroots workers and senior leaders are expected to voice their perspectives—ranging from staunch resistance to hopeful endorsement.
The banner campaign and the split opinions it has provoked underscore the emotional and strategic complexities involved in any potential NCP reunification. As Maharashtra’s political landscape closely watches these developments, the upcoming meeting could prove to be a decisive moment—either mending fences within the NCP or deepening its internal rift.
