In a significant development within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), over 30 office bearers from various party cells have formally demanded that Sunetra Pawar be appointed as the national president. This move comes just days after she was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, following the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash on January 28.
Unified Call for Leadership
The letter, addressed to NCP working president Praful Patel and state president Sunil Tatkare, emphasizes the urgent need for strong and composed leadership to unite the party during this period of grief. The signatories, representing cells such as youth, students, and cultural wings, argue that Sunetra Pawar has proven her commitment by taking on the role of Deputy Chief Minister under challenging circumstances.
Addressing the Void Left by Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar, who served as both the NCP president and Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, was a pivotal figure in the party. His sudden demise has created a leadership vacuum that these office bearers believe Sunetra Pawar is best suited to fill. The letter highlights her experience, loyalty to the party, and affection for workers as key reasons for their demand.
Babasaheb Patil, the chief of the NCP's cultural cell, played a central role in drafting the letter. He stated that he consulted with all cell chiefs before making this unanimous request. Notably, the letter includes signatures from most party cell presidents, except for Rupali Chakankar, who heads the women's wing and also serves as the president of the State Women's Commission. Patil explained that her omission was due to logistical issues in contacting her, but he expressed confidence that she would support the move.
Denial of Speculations and Internal Dynamics
This demand emerges amidst reports of internal power struggles within the NCP and speculation about a potential merger with the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar. Interestingly, the letter was sent a day after Praful Patel dismissed rumors about his appointment as the party chief, labeling them as "totally baseless" and lacking truth.
Sunetra Pawar's recent political ascent includes her election as the leader of the NCP Legislative Party on Saturday, which paved the way for her swearing-in as deputy chief minister. The office bearers' push for her national presidency reflects a broader effort to stabilize the party and navigate the complex political landscape of Maharashtra.
Looking Ahead
As the NCP grapples with leadership transitions and internal challenges, the demand for Sunetra Pawar's elevation underscores her growing influence. The party now faces critical decisions that could shape its future direction and cohesion in the coming months.
