Following the recent appointment of Sunetra Pawar as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, more than 30 Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) cells have urged the party leadership to consider her for the role of National President, previously held by her late husband, Ajit Pawar. The letter, signed by presidents of these cells, highlighted Sunetra’s dedication to the party and her leadership qualities during challenging times.
The letter emphasized Sunetra’s experience, loyalty, and rapport with party members as reasons for her suitability for the position of National President. It was mentioned that all State Presidents of NCP cells collectively support her candidacy for the role, underscoring her capabilities and commitment to the party. The demand for her appointment was made in a respectful and firm manner, expressing hope for a positive consideration by the party leadership.
Amidst these developments, Babasaheb Patil, the cultural cell chief of the party, revealed that discussions with various cell chiefs led to the decision to advocate for Sunetra Pawar’s elevation within the party. Notably, the letter was endorsed by presidents of multiple party cells, except for Rupali Chakankar, the women’s wing president and State women’s commission president, who was not contacted for her opinion. Patil clarified that the omission was due to logistical reasons and expressed confidence in Chakankar’s alignment with the collective stance.
The call for Sunetra Pawar’s promotion to the role of National President comes in the wake of refutations by Praful Patel, the party’s Working President, regarding rumors of his own appointment to the position. Patel dismissed such claims as unfounded and clarified that no decision had been made in this regard. His statement aimed to dispel any misconceptions and reaffirm the party’s current leadership structure.
