After Ajit Pawar’s sudden death, Maharashtra politics is in flux. With NCP leaders meeting CM Fadnavis and whispers growing around Sunetra Pawar’s role, who will lead the party next and when will the call be made?
Sunetra Pawar is speculated to take charge of NCP following her husband Ajit Pawar's demise
New Delhi: Political uncertainty continues to grip Maharashtra following the sudden death of Deputy Chief Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati. With his passing, questions have emerged over the future leadership of his NCP faction and the vacancy in the state’s deputy chief ministerial post.
Addressing media on Friday, NCP leader Praful Patel clarified that no decision has been taken on appointing Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, to a leadership role within the party. Patel said discussions are ongoing and stressed that any decision would be taken collectively after consulting party legislators.
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“No decision has been made regarding Sunetra Pawar. A meeting of NCP MLAs will be convened shortly, and a decision on Ajit Pawar’s successor will be taken while respecting public sentiment,” Patel said after meeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his residence.
According to Patel, a delegation of NCP leaders met Fadnavis to formally inform him that the party would soon decide its internal leadership. The meeting comes amid speculation about both the party’s future direction and its continued role within the ruling alliance in Maharashtra.
Ajit Pawar’s death on Wednesday sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the state. A key power centre in Maharashtra politics, he had played a crucial role in shaping government formations and strategy in recent years.
In the days following his demise, several NCP leaders have publicly expressed support for Sunetra Pawar, who is currently a Rajya Sabha member, urging her to take on a larger political role. Some leaders have even suggested her induction into the Maharashtra cabinet to ensure continuity of leadership.
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Senior NCP leader and state minister Narhari Zirwal said many party workers and supporters feel Sunetra Pawar should be brought into active leadership. “Many people have told us that ‘vahini’ should be brought into the mainstream. We will place this sentiment before the party leadership, and a decision will be taken soon,” Zirwal said.
While internal consultations are underway, the party leadership has indicated that no hasty decision will be taken. The upcoming MLAs’ meeting is expected to play a decisive role in determining both the future of the NCP faction and its leadership structure.
Until then, suspense continues over who will step into Ajit Pawar’s political shoes and shape the next phase of the party in Maharashtra.
