Thu Dec 05 21:35:32 UTC 2024: ## Ajit Pawar Sworn in as Maharashtra Deputy CM for Sixth Time After NCP’s Strong Election Showing

**Mumbai, India –** Ajit Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has been sworn in as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister for a record sixth time. This comes after a stunning performance by the NCP in the recent Assembly elections, where the party defied expectations by winning 41 out of 59 contested seats. This victory solidifies Pawar’s position as the leader of the NCP, ending a long-running power struggle with his uncle, Sharad Pawar, founder of the party.

Pawar’s political career has been marked by dramatic shifts. Four months ago, after a failed gamble on an alliance with the BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, his political future appeared bleak. The NCP’s poor showing in the Lok Sabha elections, winning only one out of five seats, fueled uncertainty. However, the recent Assembly election results have completely reversed his fortunes.

Pawar’s rise began in the cooperative sector, followed by electoral success in 1991. He served in various key ministerial positions in Maharashtra, building a reputation as a powerful and effective administrator. While admired for his efficiency, he has also faced criticism for impulsive decision-making and over-reliance on bureaucratic input. Past controversies, including allegations of involvement in the Irrigation scam, have also shadowed his career.

His past attempts to break away from his uncle’s influence haven’t always been successful. A short-lived alliance with the BJP in 2019 ended quickly, but this year’s rebellion, which saw 40 MLAs defect alongside him to join the Mahayuti government, proved decisive. The strong election performance of the NCP within the Mahayuti alliance further cemented his position. He is expected to retain the Finance and Planning portfolios. An NCP leader commented that the party thrives on power, and this current government is expected to run smoothly for the next five years. While some tensions have been reported between Pawar and Shinde, the presence of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister is expected to smooth relations.

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