In Focus by The Hindu Maharashtra after Ajit Pawar: Will the two NCPs unite? with P. Sainath
Feb 6, 2026
P. Sainath, veteran journalist and founder-editor of PARI, discusses Maharashtra's political turmoil after Ajit Pawar's death and the struggle between two NCP factions. He explores how Supreme Court battles, BJP gains, money and defections shape outcomes. He shifts focus to agrarian distress, trade policy impacts, AgriStack risks and growing farmer and worker unrest.
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Court Ruling Could Trump Street Drama
- Supreme Court verdicts on party symbols will likely decide which NCP and Shiv Sena factions are legally recognised.
- P Sainath warns that those rulings can instantly reshape Maharashtra's political balance far more than current infighting.
Money And Office Drive Defections
- If the court gives symbols to Sharad Pawar's NCP and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, many defectors may join the BJP to retain power.
- P Sainath says money, ministerial favors and local patronage drive such defections in Maharashtra.
Pawar's Retirement Could Mask Real Moves
- Sharad Pawar could distance himself by retiring while his faction chooses its path, making his personal stance ambiguous.
- P Sainath emphasises Pawar's history of shifting alliances, so outcomes are unpredictable.