Maharashtra politics has been no stranger to twists and turns, resembling Shakespearian tragedies. On July 2, Sharad Pawar, the veteran politician, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, watched his nephew Ajit Pawar and eight others take oath as they switched sides to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This act of betrayal left Sharad Pawar, at 82 years old, facing the daunting task of piecing his party back together.

Ajit Pawar, having gained Cabinet berths in the Maharashtra government, submitted affidavits from 40 NCP MPs and MLAs, who pledged their allegiance to him. On July 5, Ajit announced that he was elected NCP president on June 30, yet on July 3, he claimed that Sharad Pawar was still the party's president. In response, Sharad Pawar requested the Election Commission to prohibit Ajit's faction from using the NCP's name and symbol. The political uncertainty in Maharashtra persists, with the state witnessing multiple changes in Chief Ministers and Deputy CMs over the past four years.

Ajit Pawar, known for his political maneuvering, has held four different roles in politics over the past four years. On July 2, he became the Deputy CM once again after switching his loyalty to the BJP. His oath-taking ceremony was attended by CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. Eight other MLAs, including Chhagan Bhujbal and Dilip Walse Patil, also took the oath as ministers. Ajit Pawar's fifth term as Deputy CM makes him a unique figure in Maharashtra politics.

Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, considered loyalists of Sharad Pawar, caused a major political upset by aligning themselves with Ajit Pawar's faction. There are even reports suggesting that Praful Patel may be inducted as a Cabinet minister in the Union government. Speculations of Ajit Pawar's defection had been circulating for weeks, intensified by Sharad Pawar appointing his daughter Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as Working Presidents of the NCP. Ajit Pawar's desire for a prominent position within the party and the lure of joining the government led him to make this significant move.

As Maharashtra approaches the next Assembly elections in the next 15 months, the political landscape remains uncertain. It is unclear how Ajit Pawar will contest the elections using the NCP's name and symbol. Sharad Pawar, known for his astute political maneuvering, keeps his cards close, leaving observers guessing about his next move. With the state witnessing frequent political upheavals, it remains to be seen how Sharad Pawar will rebuild his party and navigate the challenges ahead in the quest for power.