Maharashtra Power Play: Sahil Joshi on Thawing Ties Between Sharad and Ajit Pawar Factions

In this Special Report, India Today’s Sahil Joshi analyses the potential reunification of the NCP factions following Ajit Pawar’s visit to Delhi for Sharad Pawar’s 85th birthday. The discussion, hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai, explores the political implications of this meeting and the joint appearance of the Pawar family with industrialist Gautam Adani. Aneesh Gawande, spokesperson for NCP (SP), admits that the factions are ‘ideologically aligned’ against the BJP, hinting at local alliances in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Meanwhile, Avinash Adik of the Ajit Pawar faction defends local adjustments, stating, ‘We are a secular party.’ The report questions if these moves signal a shift ahead of the 2029 elections.