Speculation is rife over the possibility of veteran politician Sharad Pawar merging his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) with his former party, the Indian National Congress, ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Reports suggest that discussions regarding this potential merger are underway, although the timing remains uncertain. Some sources indicate that the Congress High Command has proposed the integration, envisioning both factions contesting elections under a single symbol.
This development follows a recent decision by the Election Commission naming the faction led by Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar's nephew, as the 'real NCP,' granting them the party's name and symbol.
With this ruling, Sharad Pawar's faction was left with no choice but to register under the name 'Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar),' prompting speculation that the veteran leader might opt to reunite with his former political home.
Sharad Pawar, whose political journey began with the Congress party in 1967, has had a storied career within the Indian political landscape. Serving in various capacities within the Congress until 1999, Pawar's departure from the party stemmed from differences with the leadership, leading to the formation of the NCP.
A pivotal meeting held at Pawar's Modi Bagh residence in Pune, attended by key party leaders, aimed to chart the future course of action amidst these speculations. However, official confirmation regarding Pawar's intentions remains elusive, leaving political observers intrigued about his potential return to where his political journey began.
As the political landscape continues to evolve in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, all eyes are on Sharad Pawar and the unfolding developments within the NCP and Congress, signalling a potential realignment of political forces in Maharashtra and beyond.