Pune: Chhagan Bhujbal Absent, Ajit Pawar Opens Up About Aligning with BJP—What Else Happened at NCP’s Foundation Day Event?
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Balewadi, 10th June 2025: The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) held its 26th Foundation Day celebrations at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune. Ajit Pawar addressed several issues, including his reasons for aligning with the BJP. He also spoke about the notable absences at the party’s annual event. In a surprising development, Minister Chhagan Bhujbal was absent from the programme, fueling fresh speculation that he may be “unhappy” once again.
This is the second Foundation Day since the NCP split in 2023, when Ajit Pawar rebelled against his uncle, Sharad Pawar, to join the BJP-led Mahayuti government as Deputy Chief Minister. After successfully defending their government in the 2024 Legislative Assembly elections, the party has seen several developments, including Chhagan Bhujbal’s open dissatisfaction with recent events. Meanwhile, speculation about a possible reconciliation between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar is stronger than ever.
Addressing the gathering, Ajit Pawar said, “Even though the 26th Foundation Day celebration is happening here in Pune, celebrations are taking place across Maharashtra. That’s why I am satisfied. However, some of our workers, office bearers, and leaders could not attend today’s program for various reasons. Chhagan Bhujbal had already scheduled a foreign tour. Dattatray Bharne also planned a foreign tour 30 days ago. Dilip Walse Patil’s health is not good, which is why he missed yesterday’s program as well. Therefore, these three prominent leaders could not attend today’s anniversary event.”
On his decision to join the BJP, a move that has faced criticism, Pawar reflected, “I still remember 10th June 1999, when Sharad Pawar and other dignitaries founded the Nationalist Congress Party. Since then, the party has never looked back. Our party has never secured a majority and has always participated in coalition governments. The political situation in the country has made it necessary for parties to form alliances, as seen with the United Progressive Alliance and National Democratic Alliance at the Centre. But with everyone’s support, the Nationalist Congress Party is celebrating its 26th anniversary today.”
Chhagan Bhujbal “Unhappy” Again?
Chhagan Bhujbal’s absence has once again led to speculation that he is unhappy with the party. In the past, he quoted a line from the song “Dukhi Mann Mere” to express his disappointment after being left out of the cabinet, and he had also criticized Ajit Pawar personally. Although he was later reinstated as a Cabinet Minister, his absence at this year’s event has raised eyebrows. Ajit Pawar, however, appeared unfazed, stating that Bhujbal is currently on a foreign tour.
