Pawar’s death comes at a time of considerable flux in power equations in Maharashtra. This is because, on the one hand, the deputy chief minister was especially useful for the chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, in his subtle battles against another ‘ally’, Eknath Shinde. The vacuum created by Pawar’s death in a ruling coalition marred by subterranean tensions could have interesting repercussions. Would Ajit Pawar’s death lend further momentum to the whispers of reunification in the NCP? Or would members of Ajit Pawar's family, even his friends, think of milking his legacy to further their political ambitions?

Source: The Telegraph January 29, 2026 07:54 UTC