India, Jan. 29 -- The sudden death of Ajit Pawar on Wednesday leaves a striking gap not only in Maharashtra's politics, but within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) universe built by his uncle Sharad Pawar.

For nearly four decades, Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar were a defining political duo - mentor and protege - and later as rival and reinforcer - whose dynamic shaped the party's strategy, factional balance and bargaining power with allies in Delhi and Mumbai.

Ajit Pawar entered politics in the late 1980s under Sharad Pawar's direct guidance. After a brief stint in the Lok Sabha, he shifted to state politics and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a minister in 1991. Over time, he emerged as a leader with strong grassr...