
After Thackerays, Reunion Buzz About Another Political Family In Maharashtra
Mumbai:
While the possibility of a Thackeray family reunion has already sparked intense speculation across Maharashtra's political circles, buzz is growing about a possible patch-up between another powerful political family, two years after they split.
As the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party are gearing up to celebrate the party's 26th foundation year, talks about a potential merger between the two sides have resurfaced after recent statements by leaders from both camps.
A senior NCP (Ajit Pawar) MLC and close aide, Amol Mitkari, recently stirred the pot by saying, "If Pandurang has a will, the two siblings (Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule) would come together before the Ashadi Ekadashi (July 6)."
This isn't the first such statement. It was, in fact, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar who first floated the idea. "There are two views in the party. One is that we reunite with Ajit, while the other says we should not go with the BJP, directly or indirectly," said the four-time Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
He even added that the final decision on the reunion would be taken by his daughter, MP Supriya Sule. Since the interview, leaders from both sides have carefully avoided giving direct answers, but none have denied the possibility altogether.
In her recent media interaction, Baramati MP Supriya Sule praised the senior leadership while reflecting on the party's legacy:
"NCP was created by Sharad Pawar. A lot of people have contributed heavily to this party - even those who are in a different party today."
Meanwhile, the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has publicly stated that this matter would only be taken up if and when an official proposal is received from the other side.
Uncertain Future, High Political Stakes
As the two major factions weigh the prospect of reuniting, it could significantly reshape the political narrative in Maharashtra.
Sources suggest that the MNS-UBT alliance rumours might be strategically floated by the BJP to distance Uddhav Thackeray's faction from its allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi, a possible attempt to corner them before the upcoming civic polls.
If the Thackeray brothers do come together, it will pose a serious challenge to Eknath Shinde, who currently dominates the Marathi vote base in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
As for the Pawar reunion, the real uncertainty lies in what form the alliance would take, especially since one faction is in power and the other in the opposition.
The eight MPs aligned with NCP(SP) are also being seen as a crucial factor-possibly a lever for the BJP to draw the senior Pawar's party closer.
As of now, the factions have said they will hold separate Foundation Day gatherings on June 10. Both sides, however, have chosen Pune - the home turf of the Pawar family - for the event. While Sharad Pawar will address workers and office-bearers of the opposition party at the function in the morning, Ajit Pawar will participate in a Foundation Day programme of his faction the same evening in Pune.
Ajit Pawar split the NCP into two after he walked out with a majority of party legislators, and joined the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena combine and became a deputy chief minister in 2023. In the 2024 assembly polls, the BJP-led Mahayuti retained power, and Ajit Pawar joined the cabinet of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as his second deputy.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
'India is loud at home but lonely abroad': Congress' Pawan Khera slams BJP govt's "muscular foreign policy"
Congress leader Pawan Khera came down heavily on the BJP-led NDA government over the foreign policy and diplomacy tactics, claiming that the dispensation's so-called "muscular foreign policy" has collapsed under its own PR. Taking a jibe at the BJP's government, the Congress leader went on to say - "India is loud at home but lonely abroad." In a social media post on X, Khera pointed out several developments that according to him led to the "collapse" of India's foreign policy, including funding to Pakistan from different world forums and organisations, China's backing to Pakistan, Nepal's claim on India's Kalapterritory, OIC's stance on Jammu and Kashmir and several others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover how to go from draft to done in a few clicks—not a few hours. Grammarly Install Now Undo Khera posted, "Saudi Arabia suspending visas for 14 countries, including India, is just the latest blow in a steady collapse of India's foreign policy under Modi. China blocked naming the attackers at the UN. Pakistan won the backing from China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Malaysia, all demanding a "fair probe." He further pointed out, " India's global standing is crumbling: 1. G7 excluded India over the Canada-Khalistan fallout. G20 saw no breakthrough. 2. Maldives turns hostile with "India-Out" and a pro-China pivot 3. Sri Lanka and, Maldives lease strategic assets to Beijing 4. Nepal redrew its map to claim Indian territory 5. OIC and West Asia keep attacking India over Kashmir and Muslim rights 6. SCO and BRICS are now mouthpieces for China 7. Russia signs military and energy deals with Pakistan" Live Events The social media post added, "Meanwhile, Pakistan, despite economic collapse, bags $20B from World Bank, $1B from the IMF, $800M from ADB, tightens ties with Russia, and hijacks the Kashmir narrative. Turkey even sent a warship in its support. Iran offered to mediate. Qatar, Kuwait, and Malaysia echoed Islamabad's line." "This dispensation's so-called muscular foreign policy has collapsed under its PR. India is loud at home but lonely abroad," Khera alleged.


Hindustan Times
26 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Mallikarjun Kharge slams 11-year Modi govt for ‘damaging' democracy and economy
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, accusing it of inflicting 'deep blow' to Indian democracy, economy, and the country's social fabric. Kharge alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) weakened constitutional institutions and undermined federalism. 'In the last 11 years, the Modi government has caused a deep blow to Indian democracy, economy and social fabric. The BJP-RSS has weakened every Constitutional institution and attacked their autonomy. Whether it is stealing public opinion and toppling governments through the back door, or forcibly imposing a one-party dictatorship. During this period, the rights of the states have been ignored and the federal structure has weakened,' Kharge wrote on X (formerly Twitter). As the BJP marked 11 years of governance at the Centre, PM Modi highlighted the achievements of his government, crediting it with people-centric, inclusive progress. 'From economic growth to social upliftment, the focus has been on people-centric, inclusive and all-round progress. India today is not just the fastest-growing major economy, but also a key global voice on pressing issues like climate action and digital innovation,' he said. Union home minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, calling the last 11 years a 'golden period' of public service. 'In Modi 3.0, New India is rapidly progressing towards development and self-reliance with the power of reform, perform and transform. This journey of making India number 1 in every field by bringing positive changes in the lives of the countrymen will continue like this,' Shah said. Countering the government's narrative, Kharge pointed to what he called a rise in hate and fear in society, citing the prolonged violence in Manipur. 'Efforts are constantly being made to spread an environment of hatred, threats and fear in the society. The exploitation of Dalits, tribals, backwards classes, minorities and weaker sections has increased continuously. The conspiracy to deprive them of reservation and equal rights continues,' he said. Kharge also criticised the government's economic policies. 'The BJP-RSS has made the country's GDP growth rate habitual of 5-6%, which used to be 8% on average during the UPA. Instead of the promise of 2 crore jobs annually, crores of jobs were snatched away from the youth. Due to inflation, public savings have become the lowest in 50 years and economic inequality has become the highest in 100 years,' he said. 'Make in India, Startup India, Stand up India, Digital India, Namami Gange, 100 SMART Cities, all have failed. Railways have been ruined. Only the ribbons of the infrastructure, painstakingly built by Congress-UPA, have been cut,' Kharge claimed.


Hans India
27 minutes ago
- Hans India
Youth Congress workers storm Sree Chithra Institute over surgery delays amid equipment shortage
Thiruvananthapuram: Youth Congress activists of Kerala on Monday stormed the prestigious Sree Chithra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) in the state capital, protesting the postponement of critical surgeries due to a severe shortage of surgical equipment. SCTIMST, a centrally-run institute known for its excellence in cardiology and neurology, is a lifeline for thousands -- particularly the poor and underprivileged -- seeking advanced medical treatment. However, the hospital has recently been grappling with disrupted medical services after contracts with suppliers of key surgical instruments lapsed and were not renewed. The issue arises from a directive mandating that all purchases be made exclusively through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, which primarily features Indian-made products. According to hospital sources and protesters, many essential surgical items -- especially those sourced internationally -- are not available on the portal. Earlier, the institute was allowed to float tenders and negotiate directly with suppliers, a process now discontinued. Angered by the delay in surgeries, a group of Youth Congress workers managed to bypass the hospital's tight security and reach the office of the Director. Shouting slogans against the BJP-led Central government, they accused it of jeopardising the lives of poor patients. Tensions escalated as protesters clashed verbally with police personnel inside the hospital premises. 'The poor depend on this hospital for life-saving treatments. The Centre's rigid policies are disrupting care and delaying surgeries. This is unacceptable,' said one of the protesters. Later in the day, newly appointed Union Minister of State for Tourism, Suresh Gopi, who hails from Thiruvananthapuram, visited SCTIMST for discussions with the hospital administration to assess the situation. 'I came here in my role as liaison minister. We had a constructive discussion with officials, and the matter is being taken seriously,' Gopi told reporters. 'We will now approach the Union Finance Minister and other concerned authorities to expedite a resolution. I am confident the issue will be resolved soon,' he added.