Sharad Pawar, known for his political maneuvering in Maharashtra and at the national level, appears ready to make another bold move to secure his family’s legacy. With a voter turnout of 66%, the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election handed a landslide victory to the BJP and its Mahayuti Alliance, which won 233 of 288 seats.
This result starkly contrasted with Maharashtra’s 2024 Lok Sabha mandate earlier in the year. Of the state’s 48 Lok Sabha seats, the BJP-led NDA managed only 17, while the INDI Alliance achieved significant wins. However, the Assembly election results have panicked the political gurus of the INDI Alliance in the state. Thereby, new rumors are making Maharashtra a critical battleground once more, with massive implications for Bharat’s political future.
The Big Breakups of Maharashtra Politics
Ajit Pawar split the NCP; 30+ MLAs joined the NDA. Maharashtra politics has seen more twists and turns than the Game of Thrones series.
So Lesson for Opposition 👇
-Stop projecting Rahul Gandhi as a PM candidate.
-Amit Shah is the Baap of Politics
-Akela Devendra kya kya kar… pic.twitter.com/23n8nh56zm
— BALA (@erbmjha) July 2, 2023
Ajit Pawar split from his uncle’s NCP in July 2023, realigning with the BJP and Shinde’s Shiv Sena. This alliance shifted the state’s political balance and weakened Sharad Pawar’s influence over his faction of the NCP. Even after suffering losses in the Lok Sabha elections, Ajit’s faction’s triumph in the Assembly elections solidified his position. Thus, leaving Sharad Pawar to reconsider his strategy.
Rumors now suggest Sharad Pawar is negotiating with the BJP-led NDA, reportedly seeking a ministerial berth for his daughter Supriya Sule.
Adding to this, reports indicate that eight NCP MPs from Sharad Pawar NCP are leaning toward Ajit Pawar, further altering Maharashtra’s political dynamics.
In a major blow to the Uddhav faction in Maharashtra, the Speaker on Wednesday announced that the Shinde faction was the real Shiv Sena⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/NII9GnqHri
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) January 11, 2024
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction is struggling with the loss of its name, symbol, and voter base. Hence, it has softened its stance toward BJP and CM Devendra Fadnavis. Analysts believe these moves by both Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray are desperate attempts to remain politically relevant amid their diminishing influence.
The political realignment in Maharashtra signals an era of unprecedented dominance for the BJP-led NDA, potentially sidelining opposition forces in the state and center.
NDA’s Road to 300: The Sharad Pawar Equation
BREAKING : Sharad Pawar is lobbying for a ministerial berth for Supriya Sule in Modi Govt.
~ 8 NCP(SP) MPs are set to merge with Ajit Pawar's NCP. This will make NDA Stronger at the national level.pic.twitter.com/MNNd3WOYVu
— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) January 6, 2025
If Sharad Pawar’s faction formally joins the NDA, the BJP-led alliance could see a major boost. Already bolstered by Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction and Shinde’s Shiv Sena, this new alignment could deliver at least 8 additional Lok Sabha seats from Maharashtra. This would position the NDA well beyond the 300-seat mark in the 2024 general elections. Consequently, the upcoming Bills in the Lok Sabha shall face a reduced opposition.
NDA is becoming more powerful in LokSabha.#waqf #NCP #Atishi #HMPV #Governor #CAG #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/GdiCewcPFj
— Aanand Krishna (@aanand_krishnaa) January 6, 2025
For the BJP, the alliance offers strategic advantages in the Maharshtra state as well. Ajit Pawar’s rural influence complements the party’s urban strongholds. Thus, the addition of NCP SP leaders would consolidate Mahayuti’s grip on Maharashtra. It will also help balance the equation of power sharing between Shinde’s SS and Ajit Pawar’s NCP in the Mahayuti!
🚨BIG BREAKING NEWS
8 NCP(Sharad Pawar) MPs all set to join Ajit Pawar’s NCP
Sharad Pawar also in talks with BJP , most likely to join NDA , he wants a cabinet ministry in Modi govt for daughter Supriya Sule.
Also, Uddhav group is willing to join NDA
Modi govt will cross… pic.twitter.com/HlOjKXxTVJ
— Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaala) January 6, 2025
Adding Sharad Pawar through Prafull Patel and Supriya Sule to the fold would also signal BJP’s ability to bring together estranged political families, showcasing its strength in unifying diverse factions.
Mumbai, Maharashtra (In pictures): NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar sent a chadar to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti pic.twitter.com/XtfPE9leoV
— IANS (@ians_india) January 7, 2025
However, the BJP faces risks. Its core Hindutva voter base may view an alliance with Sharad Pawar as a compromise of ideological principles. The NCP has historically catered to demands from Maulanas and opposed Modi’s policies during his first, second, and third terms.
Integrating Sharad Pawar’s faction without alienating its base will be a significant challenge for the BJP.
For Sharad Pawar, the rumored move could protect his family’s political legacy and Supriya Sule’s ambitions, but at a cost. Joining the NDA would likely crown Ajit Pawar as the leader of a unified NCP, sidelining Supriya’s political aspirations and altering the Pawar family dynamic.
National Impact: Ripple Effects of Maharashtra’s Realignment
BJP lost 2024 in Maharashtra & UP. In Maha 23 seats fell to 9. In UP 62 seats fell to 33. Total loss in the 2 states: 43 seats. That’s the difference between 240 & 283.
— Minhaz Merchant (@MinhazMerchant) June 9, 2024
Maharashtra, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, is second only to Uttar Pradesh in electoral importance. A strong presence of NDA here would strengthen BJP’s position nationally and serve as a template for breaking opposition alliances elsewhere.
The additional 8 seats from Maharashtra would significantly bolster the BJP-led NDA’s narrative of stability and governance.
Maharashtra, MP…. BJP/NDA Govts gave Infra, Health-Infra, Water, Education & THEN "Ladli Behan Yojna"! Result- HUGE WIN.
Natwarlal gave Delhi NONE of this & NOW announces ₹2100 to women. Expected Result- Natwarlal out of politics FOREVER! pic.twitter.com/WTJ4IAZxZq
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) December 21, 2024
In urban hubs like Delhi, where BJP faces challenges from AAP and Congress, this realignment could reassure voters of the party’s dominance. Maharashtra’s stability would symbolize BJP’s capacity to control complex political landscapes. With elections around the corner, a fresh alliance in Maharshtra could be proof of BJP as a better choice for political leaders and voters.
🚨 BIG! Rabri Devi demands 'Mithilanchal region' to be carved out of Bihar as a 'Separate State.'
NDA won 22 out 30 seats in 'Mithila region' in 2020 assembly election.
PS: Tejashwi Yadav failed to become CM because of the 'Mithila region.' DIVIDE & RULE…? pic.twitter.com/86PBdsrP55
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) November 28, 2024
In Bihar, where BJP’s NDA faces the INDI Alliance led by Tejashwi Yadav, Maharashtra’s developments could serve as a case study. Highlighting its success in dismantling the MVA, BJP’s mere presence could threaten the INDI Alliance in Bihar. The Bihar opposition shall soon worry of similar strategies from the NDA that could weaken their coalition permanently.
🚨 TROUBLE mounts for Congress & Gandhi Family.
Now, RJD chief Lalu Yadav says "Mamata Banerjee should be given the leadership of INDI alliance. Congress's objection means NOTHING." 🎯 pic.twitter.com/ucQbwUjU9a
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) December 10, 2024
The Congress, already grappling under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership crises and electoral losses, stands to lose the most. Maharashtra’s shift would remove a key figure and critical seats from the INDI Alliance. Thereby, further isolating Rahul Gandhi-led INC among its partners.
BJP’s success in orchestrating this rumored realignment would undermine Congress’s already tenuous hold over national politics.
The stakes are immense. A Maharashtra sweep would not only push the NDA past the 300-seat mark but also solidify BJP’s position as Bharat’s dominant political force. For opposition parties, this realignment is a stark warning of BJP’s ability to outmaneuver alliances and dominate electorally.
The Final Reckoning
Maharashtra’s potential realignment is a pivotal moment in Indian politics. The BJP-led NDA, already victorious in the Assembly elections, now stands poised to reshape the state’s Lok Sabha landscape. For Sharad Pawar, this rumored move represents a chance to secure his legacy and Supriya Sule’s future, but it comes at the cost of dethroning his own daughter.
The remerger of NCP’s 8 MPs will hand over the reigns to Ajit Pawar as the leader of a unified NCP.
As battle lines for 2024 are redrawn, Maharashtra’s shifting alliances will play a central role in determining Bharat’s political future. While opposition forces scramble to regain their footing, the BJP is well on its way to consolidating power in the state and at the center.
The road to 300 passes through Maharashtra, and the stakes for BJP’s NDA have never been higher.