The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is facing a decision on the Deputy Chief Minister’s post in Maharashtra following the passing of party president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. There is a growing internal push within the party to appoint Sunetra Pawar as the party president and legislative party leader. By selecting Sunetra Pawar, who is Ajit Pawar’s wife and a party MP, as the legislative party leader, she would emerge as the primary candidate for the Deputy Chief Minister position in the BJP-led Mahayuti government.
During a recent meeting of senior party leaders, a significant number advocated for Sunetra Pawar’s promotion as the party chief and Deputy Chief Minister. A senior NCP minister confirmed that many party leaders emphasized the importance of appointing Sunetra Pawar to uphold Ajit Pawar’s legacy as party president and Deputy Chief Minister. However, the party, still reeling from Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise, has not yet reached a final decision on this matter.
Despite the absence of a formal merger, NCP leaders have started consulting Sharad Pawar, the party founder now leading a separate faction, for guidance. Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal expressed support for Sunetra Pawar to assume the role of Deputy Chief Minister next. He highlighted that this move would ensure the continuity of the Pawar family’s political legacy.
With Ajit Pawar previously overseeing the Finance portfolio and facing criticism for alleged biased fund allocation, the NCP now needs to secure its influence in the government as the Finance portfolio is likely to be assigned to another party. NCP leaders are insistent on retaining the crucial Deputy Chief Minister position within the Pawar family or entrusting it to a seasoned loyalist experienced in coalition governance.
