Maharashtra – The Nationalist Congress Party is actively deliberating on inducting Sunetra Pawar into a significant governmental role, with discussions centered around the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM position in Maharashtra. This development follows the tragic death of her husband, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash on Wednesday.
Senior NCP leaders are engaged in extensive consultations regarding the party’s future leadership structure, with the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM proposal emerging as a leading consideration. The move reflects both political pragmatism and public sentiment in the aftermath of one of Maharashtra’s most significant political losses.
Strong Public Support for Ministerial Induction
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal, a senior NCP leader, confirmed that public sentiment strongly favors inducting Sunetra Pawar into the state government. Speaking about the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM possibility, Zirwal stated there is clear demand from people that she, respectfully called “vahini” meaning “sister-in-law,” should be given ministerial responsibility.
The public outcry for the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM appointment demonstrates the strong emotional connection between the Pawar family and Maharashtra’s electorate. This grassroots support provides political legitimacy to the NCP’s deliberations on her governmental role.
High-Level Leadership Consultations Underway
Senior NCP leaders including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde, and Sunil Tatkare have conducted a series of meetings with Sunetra Pawar as part of internal consultations on leadership succession and political strategy. These discussions have specifically addressed the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM proposal among other options.
The consultations reflect the party’s careful approach to succession planning during this transitional period. Party insiders suggest that the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM position is being seriously considered given that Ajit Pawar held the same role in the current Mahayuti government.
Baramati Seat and Electoral Entry
Beyond the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM consideration, party sources indicate she is likely to contest from the Baramati seat vacated by Ajit Pawar should elections be announced. This would mark her formal entry into active electoral politics, transitioning from her current role as a Rajya Sabha member.
The Baramati constituency holds immense political significance for the Pawar family, serving as their traditional stronghold. Contesting from this seat while potentially assuming the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM role would establish her as a major political figure in Maharashtra.
Proposal to Meet Chief Minister Fadnavis
Senior NCP leaders are expected to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM proposal and the future roadmap of the Mahayuti government. This meeting will prove crucial in determining whether the coalition partners support the appointment.
The NCP’s proposal regarding the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM position requires approval from coalition partners in the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Securing their consent remains essential for implementing this succession plan.
Praful Patel’s Leadership Role
According to party sources, Praful Patel, the NCP’s working president, is expected to take a leading role in steering the organization during this transitional phase. While Patel provides organizational leadership, the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM position would ensure the Pawar family maintains its prominent governmental role.
This dual leadership structure—with Patel managing party operations and the potential Sunetra Pawar deputy CM appointment maintaining governmental presence—represents a balanced approach to succession management.
Question of Party Reunification
Speculation continues regarding a possible merger between the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP). Sources suggest such discussions may be deferred for now, though backchannel talks had been ongoing since municipal corporation elections.
The Sunetra Pawar deputy CM deliberations occur against this backdrop of potential party reunification. How her appointment might influence reunion talks with Sharad Pawar’s faction remains an open question.
Internal Party Dynamics
Zirwal maintained that divisions within the party had largely dissolved, with leaders realizing that remaining fragmented served no purpose. This growing unity could facilitate the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM appointment and strengthen the party’s position within the Mahayuti alliance.
The consensus around the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM proposal suggests that party factions recognize the importance of maintaining continuity and leveraging the Pawar family’s political capital during this critical period.
Political Background and Context
Ajit Pawar had joined the then Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government in July 2023, triggering a split in the NCP founded by his uncle Sharad Pawar. His NCP faction remains a key constituent of the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
The tragic plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar and four others occurred barely 200 meters from the edge of the tabletop airstrip at Baramati in Pune district. He was cremated with full state honors in Baramati on Thursday.
Moving Forward
As the NCP navigates this unprecedented succession crisis, the Sunetra Pawar deputy CM proposal represents both continuity and change. Her potential appointment would honor Ajit Pawar’s legacy while establishing new leadership for Maharashtra’s complex political landscape.
