Sharad Pawar’s Endorsement of Harshavardhan Patil Sparks Internal Unrest in NCP (SP) Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly Elections
The recent announcement by Sharad Pawar, the president of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), regarding Harshavardhan Patil‘s probable candidature for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections has stirred unrest among local NCP (SP) leaders in Indapur. Patil, who recently defected from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and joined the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), seems to be the chosen candidate for the Indapur seat, which has left many party loyalists feeling sidelined and frustrated.
Harshavardhan Patil’s political journey has been a contentious one. A former state minister, Patil has long been considered a political adversary of Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a key figure in the rival faction of the NCP. Patil’s decision to quit the BJP and join Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP just months before the assembly elections highlights the shifting allegiances in Maharashtra’s volatile political landscape. His return to the NCP (SP) was celebrated in the presence of Sharad Pawar, marking a significant moment in the party’s preparation for the upcoming elections.
Sharad Pawar’s endorsement of Harshavardhan Patil as the candidate for Indapur, however, has not been well-received by all party members. Addressing a public gathering shortly after Harshavardhan Patil’s induction, Pawar virtually declared his candidacy by urging the people of Indapur to send Patil to the state assembly. Although no official candidate lists have been released by any political party in Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar’s comments were widely seen as a de facto announcement of Patil’s candidacy. This has sparked discontent among other local NCP (SP) leaders and workers who were hoping for a chance to represent Indapur.
Several local leaders who had worked tirelessly for the party were particularly irked by this decision. Pravin Mane, Appasaheb Jagdale, Bharat Shah, and three other aspirants for the Indapur seat expressed their disappointment with Sharad Pawar’s decision. They argued that they had put in considerable effort, particularly during the Lok Sabha election campaign for Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter and a prominent NCP (SP) MP.
These leaders believed their loyalty and dedication to the party should have been rewarded with a candidacy for the assembly elections. Their exclusion from consideration has raised questions about the party’s internal decision-making processes and has triggered a brewing rebellion within the Indapur ranks.
The discontented party workers and aspirants feel that despite their years of hard work and commitment, their contributions are being overlooked in favor of Harshavardhan Patil, a relatively new entrant to the NCP (SP). Mane, Jagdale, and others see Harshavardhan Patil’s sudden rise as emblematic of a larger issue within the party—the neglect of long-serving loyalists in favor of opportunistic political switches. These workers have warned of an “explosion” within the party ranks if Sharad Pawar does not reconsider the decision, signaling a potential split or internal revolt that could damage the NCP (SP)’s chances in the upcoming elections.
For Sharad Pawar, the decision to bring Harshavardhan Patil into the fold and likely grant him the ticket for Indapur is part of a calculated political strategy. Indapur, located in Pune district, has long been a stronghold of the NCP, but the internal rivalry between Patil and Ajit Pawar has often created friction. By endorsing Patil, Sharad Pawar aims to consolidate power in Indapur, hoping that Patil’s return to the NCP (SP) will rejuvenate the party’s prospects in the region and potentially undermine Ajit Pawar’s influence.
However, this decision comes with risks. Sharad Pawar is known for his political acumen, but the discontent brewing within the party’s local leadership could spell trouble. If the issue is not resolved diplomatically, the NCP (SP) risks alienating its core base of supporters and workers in Indapur, which could weaken its electoral performance in a critical district. Party workers like Mane, Jagdale, and Shah have strong local connections, and their disillusionment with the party’s leadership could lead to reduced voter mobilization, internal sabotage, or even defections to rival political factions.
Moreover, Harshavardhan Patil’s candidacy, while potentially beneficial in certain circles, may not be universally popular. His past association with the BJP and his rivalry with Ajit Pawar could create further divisions within the NCP (SP) at both the local and state levels. The tension between Patil and Ajit Pawar is particularly significant given Ajit’s prominent role in the Maharashtra government and the NCP faction he leads. If these divisions are not managed carefully, they could spill over into other parts of the party, impacting its cohesion ahead of the state elections.
The Indapur seat, therefore, has become a flashpoint not only for local leaders but for the entire NCP (SP) as it prepares for the assembly elections. Sharad Pawar’s leadership will be tested in his ability to manage these internal tensions and ensure the party remains united. His long-standing reputation as a shrewd political operator may help him navigate this crisis, but the discontent in Indapur serves as a reminder of the challenges the NCP (SP) faces as it competes in the ever-shifting political landscape of Maharashtra.
In conclusion, the virtual declaration of Harshavardhan Patil’s candidacy for the Indapur seat by Sharad Pawar has led to growing discontent within the local ranks of the NCP (SP). While the decision may be part of a broader strategy to secure the seat, it has sparked frustration among loyal party workers who feel sidelined. As the assembly elections draw closer, how Sharad Pawar and the NCP (SP) handle these internal issues will be critical to their electoral success in Indapur and beyond.