As the undisputed head of NCP, Ajit Pawar’s sudden death leaves the party without its primary strategist and power broker. Days before his death, reports had emerged of a potential thaw between the two factions of the NCP, with increasing speculation that Ajit Pawar might return to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. In an interview earlier this month, Ajit Pawar hinted at a possible reunion with his uncle, stating that “there are no permanent enemies in politics”. Ajit Pawar’s death will also create a massive political vacuum that directly threatens the stability and future composition of the Mahayuti alliance. His death leaves Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis without his most effective “troubleshooter.”In the days to come, the focus will be on the future of the NCP factions, with political circles buzzing with the possible merger of the two outfits.