The political equations in Maharashtra are likely to shift significantly following the demise of Ajit Pawar, and attention has now turned to the future of the NCP and the fate of the all-powerful finance portfolio.
The immediate questions before the ruling Mahayuti alliance are twofold: who will lead the NCP faction once headed by Ajit Pawar, and whether the finance portfolio will remain with the party.
For the NCP (Ajit Pawar), three options appear open. The party can continue independently with new leadership, either from Pawar’s family or among its senior leaders, while remaining part of the BJP-led government. The second option is political reunification with the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar.
While no formal discussions have begun, political observers say the finance portfolio will inevitably become a key point of negotiation in the days ahead.
During the formation of the Mahayuti government comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been keen to retain the finance department. However, Ajit Pawar’s faction strongly asserted its claim, and after intense negotiations, the portfolio remained with the NCP.
In a post-Ajit Pawar scenario, many in political circles believe the BJP may continue its alliance with the NCP faction and even allow it to retain the deputy chief minister’s post, but may prefer to bring the finance department back under its control.
If that happens, the portfolio could either be handled directly by Chief Minister Fadnavis or be allocated to a senior BJP minister nominated by him.
The only exception would be if the NCP insists on retaining the finance ministry as a condition for staying in the alliance. In that case, the party could project former finance minister Dilip Walse Patil as a candidate.
Another possibility could emerge if the two NCP factions reunite. Under such a scenario, senior leader Jayant Patil could be considered for the portfolio. Both Walse Patil and Jayant Patil have previously handled the finance department and are widely regarded as experienced administrators with deep knowledge of state finances.
The third option is that the NCP remains split, with senior leaders taking over but since the next elections are far away the chances the chances of that happening are bleak.
