Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Merger with Ajit faction was scheduled for February 12; now faces roadblock following Ajit's death

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister six times over three decades, died on January 28, 2026, at age 66, when his chartered Learjet crashed at Baramati Airport. His wife Sunetra was sworn in as his successor on January 31.

Updated May 23