Maharashtra politics: Ajit Pawar seeks to assert his power

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal and Ajit Pawar have denied any split in NCP, but the developments make it clear that Ajit Pawar's moves are more about the leadership of the party. NCP leaders said Ajit Pawar's rebellion was hastened after cousin Supriya Sule was appointed as NCP's national working president. The move was seen within NCP as senior Pawar trying to cut Ajit Pawar down to size and helping Sule strengthen her hold over the Maharashtra unit.

While the NCP leadership had claimed that Ajit Pawar was taken into confidence over Sule's elevation as working president, sources said that he was uneasy over the decision. A week ago, he publicly sought the Maharashtra unit chief's post, a direct challenge to Sule. Those in the know said Ajit Pawar felt if he waited any longer, his influence in the NCP rank and file in Maharashtra would reduce and he would end up playing second fiddle to Sule.

A senior analyst said: «With Ajit joining government, it will help him consolidate his position within NCP. Ajit can also use the cooperation ministry at the centre to lure NCP leaders into his fold.» NCP reacted swiftly by appointing Jitendra Awhad as the Opposition leader and the chief whip of the party. There could be another fight as was seen in the Shiv Sena.