Twin Celebrations in Pune as Sharad and Ajit Pawar Observe NCP Foundation Day Separately
Twin Celebrations in Pune as Sharad and Ajit Pawar Observe NCP Foundation Day Separately
Pune, June 10, 2025: The Nationalist Congress Party’s 26th Foundation Day in Pune has turned into a powerful visual of its ongoing political split, with two separate events held barely ten kilometres apart—one modest and quiet, the other grand and extravagant.
At Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir in Shivajinagar, the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the NCP (now known as NCP (SP)) held a programme amongst the presence of the party workers. “It is a very happy moment for us. The party has been in power and in opposition. In the next four months, we have local body elections. Pawar saheb will give a good message for the party workers and the MVA,” said Prashant Jagtap, NCP (SP) Pune chief. A grand celebration is also being hosted at the party office.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex is hosting the Ajit Pawar-led faction (NCP AP). There, preparations are on a grand scale. Pink banners adorn the sprawling venue as workers coordinate under the supervision of Parth Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s elder son.
“Today, the party is celebrating 26 years. Our leader, Ajit Pawar, will be addressing us. Sunil Tatkare and Parth Pawar contributed to this programme. Fifty thousand people from across the state are expected,” said Anand Paranjpe, chief spokesperson of NCP (AP).
Buzz Around Merger
This year’s Foundation Day carries national relevance due to speculation about a possible reunion between the two factions. “If Pawar had to go with the BJP, he would have gone in 2014. Even in 2019, there was an attempt. If we had to go, we would have gone with Ajit Dada earlier,” said Jagtap.
“Sharad Pawar has spent more time in the opposition than in power—he has never aligned with the BJP. People like me are sure it’s not going to happen.”
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar’s camp, energized by its recent legislative win, expects a wave of new supporters.
“After today’s program, many new faces will join. A different message will be shared by our leader. Many are ready to work with Ajit Dada,” said a party official.
Civic Polls on the Horizon
Foundation Day also marks the start of political mobilisation for the much-delayed local body elections. Pune remains a key battleground for both factions. The party will use the event to outline its civic election strategy, with directions expected directly from Ajit Pawar.
As both camps celebrate the same legacy under different banners, Maharashtra politics braces for more twists in the run-up to elections—local and possibly national.
