Sat Nov 23 20:28:14 UTC 2024: ## Ajit Pawar’s Faction Wins Big in Maharashtra Local Body Elections, Dealing Blow to Sharad Pawar

**Mumbai, India** – Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has secured a resounding victory in the recently concluded Maharashtra local body elections, significantly weakening the position of his uncle and former party leader, Sharad Pawar. Preliminary results indicate Ajit Pawar’s faction winning approximately 41 seats, while Sharad Pawar’s faction struggled to reach double digits.

This decisive win comes amidst an ongoing legal battle between the two factions over the control of the NCP and its official symbol. The split occurred in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar joined the BJP-led government, taking a majority of the NCP MLAs with him. The Election Commission subsequently recognized Ajit Pawar’s faction as the legitimate NCP.

Ajit Pawar celebrated the results, stating that the people of Maharashtra have clearly endorsed his faction and the BJP-led alliance. He expressed confidence in the future of his faction within the state’s political landscape.

Analysts suggest that this outcome could further destabilize Sharad Pawar’s faction, with only a small number of MLAs remaining and potential unrest within the party’s grassroots organization. While political analyst Vijay Chormare predicts Sharad Pawar will continue his legal fight, concerns are growing about the future of the faction, particularly given Sharad Pawar’s age and the potential leadership challenges. Some within the party are calling for Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, to take on a more prominent role, although her ability to counter Ajit Pawar’s influence, backed by the BJP, remains uncertain. The local election results represent a significant turning point in the ongoing power struggle within the NCP.

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