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Sunday, January 4, 2026
TopicNCP

Topic: NCP

The NCP or Nationalist Congress Party was founded in 1999 by Sharad Pawar after he quit the Indian National Congress (INC) along with Purno Sangma and Tariq Anwar. While the NCP started as a national party with values of ‘Gandhian secularism’ and ‘progressive and modern progress’, its biggest electoral success has been in Maharashtra, Pawar’s home state. In 2023, the Election Commission withdrew the party’s status as a ‘national party’ as the NCP could no longer meet the criteria of such a designation.

As of 2024, the party is split into two factions — one led by founder Sharad Pawar and another by his nephew Ajit Pawar. The faction led by Ajit is in power in Maharashtra along with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde). This faction today is knonw as the Nationalist Congress Party, having been granted the original party name and symbol by the Supreme Court. The other faction is called the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). Other important leaders include Jayant Patil, Supriya Sule, and Rajesh Tope.

After Sharad Pawar resignation, NCP leaders discuss possibility of Supriya Sule, Ajit as ‘working presidents’

Manasi Phadke -
NCP leaders say, if it comes to it, Pawar's daughter Supriya could take charge of party at national level & nephew Ajit at state level. Official meeting likely in next 2 days.

‘Was shocked!’ In updated autobiography, Sharad Pawar bares all on MVA fall, Sena rebellion, nephew Ajit

Purva Chitnis -
In 2nd edition of Lok Maze Sangati, released Tuesday, the NCP chief talks about Uddhav Thackeray's tenure as CM & Ajit Pawar's decision to join hands with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis in 2019.

‘Can’t do this’: NCP members break down as Sharad Pawar resigns, Ajit says ‘better to pick successor now’

Manasi Phadke -
Sharad Pawar shocked NCP members Tuesday with his announcement about stepping down as party chief. As workers protest, Pawar ‘taking 2-3 days’ to consider requests to stay on as chief.

Sharad Pawar steps down as NCP president, says committee of leaders to decide ‘future course of action’

Manasi Phadke -
Pawar, president of NCP since he founded it in 1999, announced his decision to step down Tuesday. This comes amid buzz within NCP about his nephew Ajit exploring option to split party.

‘Cleared 65 files, held reviews’: Maharashtra CM Shinde says ‘not on leave’ as visit home brings Oppn jibes

Manasi Phadke -
Oppn slammed Eknath Shinde for 'taking leave' amid protest over proposed refinery in Barsu. NCP also claimed he was upset 'because BJP wants him to switch roles with Fadnavis'.

Loyalty, boundaries, revolt — what shapes the ‘Pawar brand of politics’ and where it’s headed

Manasi Phadke -
While MLAs quitting under central agencies' pressure may bring sympathy for Pawar, the question of his political heir — nephew Ajit or daughter Supriya — continues to plague NCP.

‘Should I sign affidavit or stamp paper?’ — Ajit Pawar shreds talks of joining BJP, slams media

Manasi Phadke -
As Leader of Opposition, the NCP MLA wrote to CM Shinde & deputy CM Fadnavis slamming govt over Maharashtra Bhushan award event where 13 people died due to heatstroke and dehydration.

Bargaining within NCP? Overtures to BJP? The curious case of Ajit Pawar’s political moves

Manasi Phadke -
Sharad Pawar’s nephew has long said & done things that create controversy and lead to speculation about which side he is on. His moves have left even those within NCP stumped.

‘Surprised’, says BJP’s Pankaja Munde as GST team comes knocking after ‘patch-up’ with cousin Dhananjay of NCP

Purva Chitnis -
Pankaja Munde's Vaidyanath Sugar Factory reportedly raided by GST officials Thursday, allegedly over evasion to the tune of Rs 12 crore. She says there has never been an intention to evade tax.

What happens to CPI, NCP, TMC’s Lutyens’ property as national tag goes? Ajoy Bhavan safe, but not bungalows

Moushumi Das Gupta -
EC has stripped NCP, CPI & TMC of their national party status. Their Lutyens' allotments include land on which CPI's Ajoy Bhavan was built, a plot for TMC, and a bungalow for NCP.
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