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**Headline: Maharashtra NCP Split Sparks Turmoil in Kerala’s Ruling Coalition**

**Thiruvananthapuram, July 15, 2025** – The internal divisions within Maharashtra’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have spilled over into Kerala, threatening the stability of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition. The Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, currently aligned with the BJP-led NDA government in Maharashtra, is demanding the resignation of two NCP legislators in Kerala who have pledged allegiance to Sharad Pawar.

Praful Patel, National Working President of the NCP-Ajit Pawar faction, announced the disqualification of Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran and Kuttanad MLA Thomas K. Thomas from the party’s primary membership for six years, citing “anti-party activities.” Patel accused the legislators of defying the “original” NCP’s line, skipping party meetings, and operating as a parallel entity. He further threatened legal action under the Anti-Defection Law and the People’s Representation Act.

The move stems from the 2023 split in the NCP, triggered by Ajit Pawar’s decision to join the NDA. Following the split, Saseendran and Thomas aligned themselves with Sharad Pawar and filed affidavits in the Supreme Court, declaring their allegiance and accusing Ajit Pawar of abandoning the NCP’s core values.

Thomas dismissed Patel’s claims, arguing that the NCP’s constitution does not recognize the post of National Working President and emphasizing their alignment with Sharad Pawar. Saseendran echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the Supreme Court’s order regarding the NCP name was interim.

Meanwhile, Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Sastheesan, criticized the LDF for what he termed its hypocrisy in embracing NCP legislators aligned with a BJP ally. He also highlighted the alignment of the Janata Dal (Secular)’s national leadership with the NDA, questioning the LDF’s moral standing. The unfolding drama adds another layer of complexity to Kerala’s political landscape, raising questions about the future of the LDF coalition and the repercussions of Maharashtra’s political turmoil.

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