Shiv Sena (UBT) criticises Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in as Maharashtra’s Deputy CM, calling it rushed and questioning her effectiveness. The editorial warns that NCP’s future is uncertain, urging Sunetra to prove she is more than a 'silent doll' in state politics
Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. File pic
Days after Ajit Pawar’s wife was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the opposition has now started to slam the decision. The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday said that Sunetra Pawar inherits a complex legacy. While Ajit Pawar was known for his administrative prowess and control over the Finance and Planning ministries, Sunetra's effectiveness remains to be seen.
The Thackeray camp, in their daily editorial ‘Saamana’, claimed that NCP’s future is now extremely uncertain, describing it as a "boat without a navigator" in a storm, currently propelled by "Fadnavis’s engine", as reported by news agency IANS.
Saamana, while slamming the NCP and the BJP, stated, “With the BJP aiming for a solo victory in the 2029 Assembly elections, Sunetra Pawar faces the monumental task of proving she is not merely a ‘Gungi Gudiya (silent doll)’ but a leader capable of maintaining her party’s independent identity. Sunetra Pawar inherits a complex legacy.”
The editorial further added, “While Ajit Pawar was known for his administrative prowess and control over the Finance and Planning ministries, Sunetra's effectiveness remains to be seen. As the political dust settles, the prevailing sentiment remains: politics has truly become wicked."
According to the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s mouthpiece, the state of Maharashtra had not yet recovered from the shock of Ajit Pawar's demise when the political manoeuvres of Amit Shah and Devendra Fadnavis delivered a second blow.
Saamana also highlighted that the public sentiments regarding the timing of Sunetra Pawar’s swearing in are mixed, as she took the oath even before the fire of Ajit Pawar’s funeral pyre had cooled.
It added, “While some expressed pride that Maharashtra has gained its first female Deputy Chief Minister, others noted that this position was not earned through personal merit. The question haunting Maharashtra is, at whose behest did this development occur? Sharad Pawar responded calmly, stating he was unaware of the ceremony and noting that Sunetra Pawar's party is independent and now managed by leaders like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare,” as cited by IANS.
"According to NCP Minister Hasan Mushrif, Sunetra Pawar was hurriedly appointed to the leadership role to prevent party workers and MLAs from getting scattered following Dada’s (Ajit Pawar) death.”
Slamming NCP and BJP’s ideology, it mentioned, “The NCP is allied with the 'Sanatani' ideology of the BJP; holding a celebratory oath ceremony while the family is still in mourning (Sutak) does not fit within the framework of Hindutva. There is an ongoing dispute between Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. Sunetra Pawar was reportedly elevated to the "sub-throne" by some members specifically to prevent the party from falling entirely under Patel's control, as per IANS.
Shiv Sena (UBT) claims the NCP merger was on the cards
The Thackeray camp further asserted that Ajit Pawar actually held respect and affection for Sharad Pawar, and a process to merge the two NCP factions had begun.
A final decision was due after the Zilla Parishad elections, but Ajit Pawar passed away before it could happen. Leaders like Patel and Tatkare oppose the merger, which aligns with the agenda of Amit Shah and Fadnavis.
“It is predicted that the BJP intends to contest the 2029 Assembly elections entirely on its own. Before then, many MLAs from the Shinde and Ajit Pawar factions may defect to the BJP.”
The Saamana further added, “To move beyond being a "ceremonial" figure, Sunetra Pawar must demonstrate Ajit Pawar's legendary work ethic, capacity for public outreach, and the 'magic' of not bowing too easily before the BJP. If she chooses to work effectively rather than being a 'silent doll', she may become an obstacle for Patel, Tatkare, and Bhujbal.”
(With inputs from IANS)
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