NCP Determined to Keep Deputy Chief Minister Position in Pawar Family
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appears determined to maintain its hold on the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister's post within the Pawar family following the death of party president Ajit Pawar, who previously held the position. While the party seems willing to relinquish the crucial Finance portfolio that Ajit Pawar managed, retaining the deputy chief minister role has become a priority for NCP leaders seeking to preserve political continuity and influence.
Sunetra Pawar Emerges as Leading Contender
Party insiders have indicated that a meeting of the legislative party will convene in the coming week, where the name of Sunetra Pawar – wife of the late Ajit Pawar and current Rajya Sabha MP – is likely to be proposed as the legislative party leader. This move would position her as the natural successor to the deputy chief minister position that her husband occupied until his passing.
On Wednesday evening, senior NCP leaders gathered informally in Baramati to discuss organizational matters, with the appointment of a new legislative party leader emerging as the central agenda. According to sources familiar with the discussions, maintaining the Pawar family's political legacy remains a paramount concern for party members.
Political Legacy and Coalition Dynamics
Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal has publicly advocated for Sunetra Pawar's elevation to the deputy chief minister role, stating that such a move would ensure the continuation of the Pawar family's political legacy. This sentiment reflects broader concerns within the NCP about maintaining influence in Maharashtra's tripartite coalition government.
The potential loss of the Finance portfolio presents significant challenges for the NCP. Ajit Pawar's firm control over the department, despite criticism about allegedly biased fund allocation in coalition governments, ensured that ministers from other parties depended on him for financial resources. With this portfolio likely shifting to another party, NCP leaders believe retaining the deputy chief minister position becomes even more crucial for maintaining governmental influence.
Family Representation and Political Strategy
Currently, no Pawar family member from the NCP holds a seat in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Sunetra Pawar serves as a Rajya Sabha MP, while Ajit Pawar's sons Parth and Jai are not elected representatives. Within the extended Pawar family across political divides, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule serves as a Lok Sabha MP, with Rohit Pawar being the only family member currently holding an MLA position.
According to political insiders, the Pawar family faces two primary challenges:
- Maintaining political control over the NCP organization
- Securing the deputy chief minister position to support NCP ministers in the coalition government
"Whether the parties are merged immediately or not, Sharad Pawar will play a key role in this transition," revealed one insider familiar with family discussions. "As the head of the family, he would need to bring everyone together to ensure political stability."
Broader Implications for Pawar Political Empire
Beyond immediate political considerations, the Pawar family faces concerns about protecting its extensive political and industrial interests, which were managed by Ajit Pawar despite ideological differences within the family. Both Ajit Pawar and his uncle Sharad Pawar historically ensured that political disagreements did not affect their non-political activities, where family members shared organizational responsibilities.
"The decision regarding the deputy chief minister position extends beyond the NCP alone," explained a political observer. "The Pawar political empire encompasses much broader interests, and any sudden or poorly considered decision could have significant repercussions across multiple domains."
The coming weeks will prove crucial as NCP leaders navigate this transition while balancing internal party dynamics, coalition government requirements, and the preservation of one of Maharashtra's most influential political legacies.
