In the wake of the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, senior leaders from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have taken swift action to address the resulting political vacuum. They have approached his wife, Sunetra Pawar, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, urging her to return to state politics and potentially assume a leadership role within the party, possibly as deputy chief minister.
High-Level Meeting and Condolences
On Thursday, prominent NCP figures visited Sunetra Pawar at her residence to offer their condolences and formally press her to join the Mahayuti government and lead the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP. The delegation included working president Praful Patel, state chief Sunil Tatkare, and cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal, according to insider sources.
Public Support from Confidants
Cabinet minister Narhari Zirwal, a close confidant of Ajit Pawar, publicly endorsed this initiative. Speaking in Baramati, Zirwal stated, "All supporters I have spoken to want Sunetra vahini (sister-in-law) in the state cabinet. I support this view." He added that he plans to discuss this matter with other senior party members to build consensus.
Immediate Priorities and Leadership Decisions
Party functionaries indicated that a meeting is expected to be convened soon in Mumbai to select the new leader of the NCP legislature party. A senior member emphasized, "The immediate priority is to stabilise the party and ensure continuity in leadership during this challenging period."
Grassroots Sentiment and Family Legacy
At the grassroots level, particularly in the Pawar family stronghold of Baramati, party office bearers are advocating for either of Ajit Pawar's sons—Parth or Jay—to contest the upcoming bypolls necessitated by his death. This reflects a desire to maintain the family's political legacy in the region.
Sunetra Pawar's Potential Role in Party Unity
A party functionary highlighted the deep connection between the NCP's identity and the Pawar family, noting, "So far, the party’s functioning has revolved around Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, and Supriya Sule. With Ajit's untimely death, many senior leaders and grassroots workers believe that only his wife Sunetra can effectively step into his position and maintain cohesion."
Insiders suggest that Sunetra Pawar's entry into state politics could be crucial for keeping the NCP flock united, especially if efforts to merge rival factions within the party do not materialize. Her background from a political family is seen as an asset in navigating these complex dynamics.
Cautious Approach Amid Merger Talks
However, some senior functionaries are adopting a guarded stance, closely monitoring whether Ajit Pawar's uncle Sharad Pawar and cousin Supriya Sule will move towards reuniting the divided NCP factions. A potential merger could significantly reshape Maharashtra's political landscape, leading many NCP seniors in the state cabinet to avoid premature declarations of support.
Pressure on Sunetra Pawar and Family Political Plans
Despite these uncertainties, pressure on Sunetra Pawar to re-enter state politics is unlikely to diminish, regardless of how merger talks progress. Ajit Pawar had previously indicated intentions to step back in Baramati and groom his younger son, Jay Pawar, for a larger political role. Jay had engaged with local units during the 2024 elections, while his elder son, Parth, contested and lost the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Maval.
An observer commented, "Ajitdada was preparing Jay for a bigger role. After his death, there is growing demand for Jay to enter politics. While NCP seniors are not opposed to his entry, they feel that his mother, with her political lineage, would be better positioned to unify the party if a merger fails."
Electoral Prospects in Baramati
Sunetra Pawar herself faced defeat against Supriya Sule in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Baramati. However, party functionaries now believe that any member of Ajit Pawar's family contesting from Baramati would likely encounter minimal serious opposition from rival parties, given the family's entrenched influence in the constituency.
