In rejig for Assembly polls, Ajit Pawar tells NCP functionaries to resign

Want new faces to get opportunity: Dy CM

"Those who are working half-heartedly and want to leave the party, they can leave, and those who want to stay can stay in the party. The new faces will have to be given an opportunity in the party," he said. (File)

Still recovering from his Baramati Lok Sabha constituency loss, NCP chief Ajit Pawar, in no mood to take any chances in the forthcoming assembly elections, directed all his party office-bearers and booth incharge in Baramati assembly constituency to resign to create a new team ahead of the assembly elections.

“I want to be clear that I have taken responsibility for the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections in Baramati but the booth incharge is equally responsible for it. I have reports from party workers on the field work on done by office-bearers and booth incharge. I want all the office-bearers and booth incharge to resign from their responsibilities in the party so that I can reconstitute the team. I will do it in the next 10 days before August 15,” Pawar said addressing party workers in Baramati town on Monday.

“Those who are working half-heartedly and want to leave the party, they can leave, and those who want to stay can stay in the party. The new faces will have to be given an opportunity in the party,” he said.

In the Lok Sabha elections, the NCP led by Ajit Pawar had pitted his wife Sunetra Pawar, against Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule, in the first political battle in the Pawar family in the elections. Sule retained the seat by winning it for a fourth consecutive time with a large margin. She got the lead in votes from the Baramati assembly constituency represented by Ajit Pawar. Howver, the NCP managed some damage control by getting Sunetra elected to the Rajya Sabha.

In the upcoming assembly elections, there are speculations of another Pawar versus Pawar battle between Ajit Pawar and his nephew Yugendra Pawar of the NCP (SP). Ajit Pawar has to work across the state to keep his political significance intact and is going to soon launch a statewide tour for this. “I will be in Pune and Mumbai only a few days of the week as I will be busy touring and campaigning for my party across the state,” he had said.

City NCP working president Pradeep Deshmukh said that the changes in the Baramati assembly unit of the party was as expected ahead of the assembly elections. “The changes will likely not take place in the city unit despite part of it falling under the Khadakwasla assembly constituency in Baramati Lok sSabha constituency. The party candidate from Khadakwasla assembly constituency also saw a lead, so no changes expected here,” he said.

Ajit Pawar has been representing the Baramati assembly seat for the last several terms, which has been a stronghold of the Pawar family, and which he took over from his uncle Sharad Pawar. He parted ways from his uncle last year.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds 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. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has 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 lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to 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" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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