Senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel declared on Friday that there exists "no opposition" to Sunetra Pawar, the wife of the late Ajit Pawar, assuming the role of leader of the NCP legislature party. This statement comes in the wake of Ajit Pawar's tragic demise in a plane crash earlier this week.
Leadership Transition Priorities Outlined
Patel emphasized that among the three significant positions held by Ajit Pawar at the time of his untimely death, the immediate priority lies in filling two crucial roles: Maharashtra deputy chief minister and leader of the NCP legislature party. He clarified that the third position—that of party chief—is "not an issue at present" and would be addressed subsequently.
Unanimous Support for Sunetra Pawar
"There is no question of opposing Sunetra Pawar's name to succeed her husband as the leader of the NCP legislature party. The sentiments of the people and the party are aligned. We have to speak to the family and seek their approval," stated Patel, a close aide of the late Maratha leader, during his interaction with reporters in Mumbai.
Sunetra Pawar, who currently serves as a member of the Rajya Sabha, made her electoral debut in the Lok Sabha elections last year. Although she was defeated by her sister-in-law, Supriya Sule, in the family stronghold of Baramati, she remains a prominent political figure. Notably, while she is not a member of either House of the Maharashtra assembly, there is speculation that she could be fielded from her husband's assembly constituency, also named Baramati.
Ajit Pawar's Legacy in Mahayuti Alliance
Patel, who holds the position of NCP's working president and is a former Union minister, described the late leader as an "important" constituent of the state's ruling Mahayuti alliance. This coalition comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena, and the NCP.
"We met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to apprise him that we are in the process of finalising our party's leadership transition. Ajit Pawar was an important functionary of the Mahayuti," he added, highlighting the ongoing discussions within the alliance.
Tragic Incident and Political Background
Ajit Pawar was among five individuals on board a private aircraft that crashed during an emergency landing in Baramati on Wednesday. The tragic incident also claimed the lives of his personal security officer, two pilots, and a flight attendant.
In a significant political move in 2023, Ajit Pawar split from the NCP founded by his uncle, veteran politician Sharad Pawar, and aligned with the Mahayuti alliance. His faction is officially recognised by the Election Commission as the "real" NCP, adding a layer of complexity to the party's dynamics.
Criticism Over Timing of Leadership Discussions
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut expressed strong disapproval, labeling it as "inhuman" to discuss Ajit Pawar's successor so soon after his death.
"It is inhuman to talk about this leadership issue. If anyone has raised it, then they have zero humanity—be it ministers or MLAs. The woman, Sunetra Pawar, has lost her husband. Her eyes are still welling," Raut told reporters, urging sensitivity during this period of mourning.
Speculation on NCP Faction Merger
In recent days, speculation has intensified regarding a potential merger between the two NCP factions following Ajit Pawar's death. The Sharad Pawar faction, known as the NCP (SP), is part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, which also includes the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT).
This development mirrors previous political splits, such as the Shiv Sena (UBT) itself suffering a division in June 2022 when Eknath Shinde broke away and joined forces with the BJP. Similar to the NCP scenario, the Shinde faction is recognised as the "real" Shiv Sena by the Election Commission.
The political landscape in Maharashtra remains fluid as stakeholders navigate leadership transitions and potential realignments in the aftermath of this significant loss.
