Sharad Pawar, a prominent figure in Indian politics, is currently facing one of the toughest phases of his six-decade career with his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) confronting serious challenges. The NCP, formed in 1999, is now primarily represented by its faction, NCP(SP), which is at risk of losing all its seats in the Rajya Sabha. Following the fatal plane crash of Ajit Pawar, the former Deputy Chief Minister from the party, internal divisions have only deepened, complicating efforts for a merger between the party factions that was expected to happen soon.

The immediate concern is regarding the upcoming retirement of two Rajya Sabha members from Maharashtra, including Sharad Pawar himself, on April 2. The situation has led to potential political complications for the NCP, as the opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi, has the option to send only one candidate to the Rajya Sabha. If this candidate is not from Sharad Pawar's faction, the NCP(SP) will end up with no representation in the upper house, marking a significant political setback.

This predicament underscores the urgency for the Pawar faction to navigate shifting political landscapes in Maharashtra. Sunetra Pawar, who has recently taken over as Deputy Chief Minister, is now faced with the challenging task of making critical decisions that could determine not just her faction's future but also the very survival of Sharad Pawar's long-standing political legacy.