Sharad Pawar Group Leader Nitin Deshmukh Joins BJP, Big Political Jolt in Mumbai

In a major political development, Nitin Deshmukh, a key leader from Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction and close aide of Jitendra Awhad, joins the BJP in Mumbai.

January 2, 2026 | Mumbai – Maharashtra politics witnessed a significant shift on January 2, 2026, as Nitin Deshmukh, a prominent leader from the Nationalist Congress Party faction led by Sharad Pawar, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mumbai. The move is being viewed as a major political setback for the Sharad Pawar group, particularly because Deshmukh was known as a close associate and staunch supporter of senior NCP leader Jitendra Awhad.

Nitin Deshmukh’s entry into the BJP comes at a crucial time, with civic elections underway and political realignments intensifying across the state. His switch has added momentum to the BJP’s expansion efforts in Mumbai, while simultaneously raising questions about internal stability and leadership confidence within the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction.

Sources familiar with the development said that Deshmukh had been dissatisfied with the direction and internal functioning of his former party for some time. While no formal allegations were made at the time of joining, political observers believe that prolonged uncertainty, factionalism, and lack of clarity over future leadership played a role in his decision.

At the joining event, BJP leaders welcomed Deshmukh into the party, stating that leaders with grassroots experience and organisational strength are strengthening the BJP ahead of important elections. They expressed confidence that his induction would help the party connect with new voter segments and consolidate its position in Mumbai’s political landscape.

Deshmukh’s association with Jitendra Awhad had earlier given him visibility and influence, particularly among party workers aligned with the Sharad Pawar faction. His departure is therefore being seen as symbolically important, suggesting that dissatisfaction may not be limited to a few isolated leaders within the party.

Leaders from the Sharad Pawar group have attempted to downplay the development, stating that party ideology and mass support do not depend on individual leaders. Some NCP functionaries described the move as opportunistic, accusing Deshmukh of prioritising political advantage over loyalty. However, insiders acknowledge that repeated exits of leaders can impact morale at the grassroots level.

Political analysts note that such defections often gain significance during election seasons, when party unity and perception matter as much as numerical strength. In Mumbai, where civic elections are fiercely contested and margins can be narrow, the movement of experienced leaders can influence ward-level dynamics and campaign strategies.

The BJP, meanwhile, continues to project itself as a party offering stability and growth opportunities. Party strategists believe that inducting leaders from rival camps not only strengthens their own organisation but also weakens opponents by creating uncertainty and internal churn.

For voters, frequent political switches have drawn mixed reactions. While some see them as part of pragmatic politics, others express concern over ideological consistency and long-term accountability. Civic issues such as infrastructure, transport, housing, and public services remain key priorities for Mumbai residents, even as political realignments dominate headlines.

As of January 2, 2026, Nitin Deshmukh’s move to the BJP has added another chapter to Maharashtra’s evolving political narrative. Whether his induction translates into tangible electoral gains for the BJP or triggers further exits from the Sharad Pawar group will become clearer in the coming weeks.

What is evident, however, is that Maharashtra politics continues to remain fluid, with alliances, loyalties, and strategies constantly shifting. Deshmukh’s switch underscores the high-stakes environment ahead of elections and highlights how individual decisions can reshape broader political equations in the state.

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