In the absence of Ajit Pawar, the NCP-NCP (SP) combine has to look for someone to lead the ZP and panchayat samiti polls

The sudden death of NCP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is likely to have its consequences. impact on ongoing elections to zila churchad and panchayat samiti with the possibility of a sympathy factor in favor of the NCP. The NCP, under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, has faced a tough challenge to maintain its grip on the rural vote bank, mainly in western Maharashtra, as the BJP tries to dent the NCP’s prospects. Now the PNC will have to look for someone to direct the electoral campaign.

Elections for 12 zila parishads and 125 panchayat samitis are scheduled for February 6 and the results will be announced on February 7.

The NCP, which has its control in rural areas of western Maharashtra, faces a challenge from the BJP as the zila parishad of PuneSatara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Solapur will go to polls in the coming days. Western Maharashtra, considered the sugar bowl of the state, has long been a stronghold of the Pawars.
The party also had high hopes in the zIla districts of Dharashiv and Parbhani in Marathwada, where it has a good presence.

The Ajit Pawar-led NCP has joined hands with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) for the zila Parisad and Panchayat Samiti polls with candidates from both parties contesting on the NCP’s symbol clock.

“We don’t know what will happen in the ongoing elections in the absence of our party chief, who led the election campaign from the front. Party cadres are not in a position to think about it, but now all eyes will be on NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, whose party is allied with our party,” said an NCP leader.

Political observer Savata Navale said, “There will be sympathy votes for NCP candidates in the zila Parisad and Panchayat Samiti elections. Till now, there was a fight between the NCP and the BJP. Ajit Pawar had led from the front and took the responsibility of the alliance in the polls.” However, the way the BJP operates, it will try to minimize the sympathy factor in favor of the NCP with its electoral strategy, he said.

The NCP and NCP (SP) failed to stop the BJP in the urban areas of the municipal corporation, especially in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, Pawars’ home district. “Rural western Maharashtra still supports Ajit Pawar, which was evident during the Assembly elections. There is a need to have control over rural politics for future politics,” the NCP leader said.

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Incidentally, the demise of Ajit Pawar has shocked citizens and in many election-bound places, candidates and citizens suspended election campaigning for the day.

Ajay Jadhav is assistant editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With more than 22 years of industry experience, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance and sustainability. Professional Experience Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune office, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He has a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Shocking reports: You are credited with articles based on research on conservation staff (waste workers) who influenced national policy to improve working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-level infrastructure (such as helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic services such as schools in his home districts. Personal Interests: An avid hiker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in outdoor activities often influences his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Your reports at the end of 2025 have been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 civic polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city’s infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) “Not friendly, but a bitter fight looms between BJP and NCP over PMC, PCMC” (22) December 2025): A detailed look at Intense rivalry between Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. “Pune civic polls: Big blow for NCP and NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP” (December 20, 2025): Report on poaching and high-profile party changes ahead of elections. “Ajit Pawar’s NCP continues dominance in Pune, wins 10 out of 17 local bodies” (December 21, 2025): Analysis of local self-government body election results as precursors to major civic polls. 2. Infrastructure and Urban Development “Looking ahead in 2026: Pune will see inauguration of long-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route” (December 22, 2025) – An “insights” article on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to be completed by March 2026. “Pune construction: PMC to build double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha river” (18 December 2025) 2025): details a major project aimed at facilitating traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. “Condition of Pune-Kolhapur road to improve in a year: Gadkari” (December 4, 2025): Report on Union Minister’s assurance regarding one of the most critical transport corridors in the state. 3. Civic Governance and Environment “Install sensors and LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC for builders” (December 16, 2025) – A continuation of the “Breathless Pune” series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real time. “Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters” (December 16, 2025): Tracking administrative efforts to clean up voter lists ahead of 2026 elections. Signature style Ajay Jadhav is known for his accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level politics and the ‘ground zero’ reality of Pune residents. It is particularly focused on sustainable development, ensuring that as Pune becomes a “Bharat Mandapam”-style destination (referring to its report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape …Read more

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