Pawar Family Unites Behind Sunetra Pawar for NCP Leadership Role
In a significant development within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the influential Pawar family has thrown its collective weight behind Sunetra Pawar to assume the role of national president. This move comes in the wake of the untimely demise of her husband, Ajit Pawar, who previously held both the position of deputy chief minister of Maharashtra and the party's top leadership post.
Family Consensus Emerges During Mourning Period
Following veteran politician Sharad Pawar's initiative to steer the family through this challenging period, family members convened on Thursday to discuss the future leadership structure. The gathering, which included key figures such as Sharad Pawar's wife Pratibha, Ajit Pawar's sons Parth and Jay, brother Shrinivas, cousin Rajendra Pawar, and nephew Rohit Pawar, reached a consensus on supporting Sunetra Pawar's elevation to the national presidency.
Rohit Pawar, who serves as the NCP (Sharad Pawar) state general secretary, clarified the family's position to reporters. "As the Pawar family, we unanimously believe that Sunetra Kaki, having already taken charge as deputy chief minister, should naturally progress to become the next NCP chief," he stated. "Numerous party legislators and functionaries have already recommended her name, strengthening our conviction that she will soon assume this crucial leadership role."
Unification Talks Deferred Until After Mourning Period
The possibility of reunifying the two NCP factions—one led by Sharad Pawar and the other previously led by Ajit Pawar—has gained renewed attention following Sharad Pawar's efforts to mediate family tensions. The senior leader visited Sunetra Pawar and her sons at their Baramati residence for two consecutive days, signaling his commitment to family harmony.
However, Rohit Pawar emphasized that formal discussions about merger prospects would only commence after the mourning period concludes on February 9. "There has been no substantive discussion on unification within the family yet," he explained. "We consider it essential to first gather opinions from all family members before proceeding. Since Sunetra Kaki now commands the support of all NCP MLAs as deputy chief minister, she will be the appropriate voice to address merger possibilities after the designated period."
Controversy Surrounding Leadership Claims
The leadership vacuum created by Ajit Pawar's passing has sparked some controversy, with BJP Union Minister Piyush Goyal recently claiming in an interview that NCP working president Praful Patel had been appointed as the next party chief. Both Goyal and Patel subsequently clarified that this statement was inaccurate, but it highlighted the political sensitivities surrounding the succession process.
Rohit Pawar expressed disappointment at what he perceived as opportunistic political maneuvering. "It is regrettable to witness certain politicians attempting to divert attention from Ajitdada's genuine intentions for their own political advantage," he remarked without naming specific individuals. "The Pawar family finds such tactics deeply hurtful during this period of grief."
Memorial Plans and Investigation Updates
Beyond leadership discussions, the family meeting also focused on honoring Ajit Pawar's legacy. Attendees deliberated proposals for establishing a memorial and museum dedicated to him in Baramati, reflecting his significant contributions to the region and state politics.
Additionally, Rohit Pawar revealed that the family has requested detailed information from state and central authorities, as well as investigating agencies, regarding the circumstances of the plane crash that claimed Ajit Pawar's life. "The family intends to share pertinent updates with the public after February 9," he confirmed, underscoring the need for transparency during this difficult time.
The Pawar family's endorsement of Sunetra Pawar represents a crucial step in stabilizing the NCP's leadership structure while maintaining family unity. As Maharashtra's political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the developments following February 9, when formal discussions about party unification and leadership formalization are expected to gain momentum.
