Mumbai: In a surprising turn of events, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is pushing for an immediate appointment of Sunetra, the widow of the late Ajit Pawar, as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This demand comes as the NCP leaders seek to solidify their position within the ruling coalition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.
Following the recent death of Ajit Pawar, the NCP is reportedly engaged in extensive discussions with other parties in the Maharashtra Mahayuti alliance. NCP leaders are not only advocating for Sunetra’s ministerial role but are also contemplating handing over the party reins to her. This move is seen as a way to maintain continuity and leadership within the party during these trying times.
Ajit Pawar’s passing has left a vacancy in the Baramati Assembly constituency, and party leaders are considering fielding Sunetra as their candidate for the upcoming elections. There are whispers about the possibility of merging the NCP with the faction led by Sharad Pawar, especially in the absence of Ajit Pawar, who had previously divided the party.
NCP senior leader and Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration Minister, Narhari Zirwal, emphasized the need for Sunetra to take a leading role. “The party should move forward under her leadership. She deserves to be given a cabinet minister position. In fact, our party is already working together with Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) in local elections, and we will continue to do so permanently,” he stated.
Senior NCP leaders Nawab Malik and Pramod Hindurao echoed Zirwal’s sentiments, suggesting that the Pawar families should unite for the betterment of the party. They believe that merging the NCP (SP) and the NCP would be the best course of action moving forward.
However, not all party members are in a rush to formalize Sunetra’s leadership. Chhagan Bhujbal, NCP leader and Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, commented that there is no immediate need to discuss formalizing her position within the party. He indicated that any merger between the parties would require the consent of Sharad Pawar, thereby hinting at the complexities involved in the proposed transition.
The political landscape in Maharashtra is becoming increasingly intricate as the NCP navigates the aftermath of Ajit Pawar’s death. With discussions of leadership transitions and potential mergers underway, the coming weeks are likely to be crucial for the future of the NCP and its role within the ruling coalition.
