The political landscape of Maharashtra is in flux following the sudden death of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28, 2026. The tragedy has not only cast a shadow of grief but also ignited speculation about the future leadership of the NCP, particularly the faction led by the late Ajit Pawar.

In the wake of these developments, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's recent remark about the NCP needing a "Patil, not a Patel" for its leadership has added fuel to the ongoing discussion. Thackeray's statement, made shortly after Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar's wife, was sworn in as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, is widely interpreted as a pointed commentary on the desired Maratha identity for a leader of a party rooted in Maharashtra's culture.

The NCP has been grappling with internal dynamics since its split in 2023, which saw Ajit Pawar and several other leaders joining the BJP-led NDA government. Before his death, Ajit Pawar was reportedly in talks with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) faction to explore a potential merger, with a tentative date set for an announcement. However, his untimely demise has created uncertainty surrounding the merger and the party's future course.

Several names have emerged as potential successors to Ajit Pawar. Sunetra Pawar, who has been elected as the leader of the NCP legislature party, is now the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Her elevation is seen as a move to maintain continuity within the Pawar family's political legacy. Prior to becoming the leader of the NCP legislature party, there were reports that senior NCP leaders met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the party's future and leadership succession.

Other contenders include Praful Patel, a long-time Sharad Pawar loyalist who joined Ajit Pawar's faction after the split, and Sunil Tatkare, the president of the NCP state unit. Both leaders possess significant organizational and political experience, but lack a strong mass base. The NCP must also address the allocation of key portfolios and communicate decisions to the BJP leadership, as the party remains a constituent of the Mahayuti alliance.

The NCP (SP) camp anticipates Sharad Pawar to resume a central guiding role. According to The Hindu, the Pawar family and close aides, including Sunetra Pawar, Supriya Sule, and Praful Patel, are expected to play pivotal roles in determining the direction of the merger and the party's leadership. Sharad Pawar has confirmed that merger talks were underway and that February 12 had been fixed as a tentative date for the announcement.

Raj Thackeray's "Patil, not Patel" remark underscores the significance of regional identity in Maharashtra politics. The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, has historically drawn its support from the Maratha community, and any future leader will need to resonate with this key constituency. The coming days and weeks will be crucial for the NCP as it navigates the leadership transition and seeks to consolidate its position in Maharashtra's political arena.