Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday (January 24, 2026) claimed that the two factions of the NCP will come together and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will return to the Maha Vikas Aghadi, as his heart is with his family.
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Speaking to reporters, Mr. Raut claimed that the ruling NCP has merged with Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) as both are contesting on the 'clock' poll symbol in the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in the State.
"Though Ajit Pawar is part of the Mahayuti, he is still connected with the MVA. Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar will come together as part of the MVA. Ajit Pawar cannot step on two stones," he said.
Ajit Pawar joined the then Eknath Shinde government along with eight MLAs in July 2024, resulting in a split in the NCP. The faction led by him got the party name and 'clock' symbol, while Sharad Pawar's outfit is now called NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
