NCP rallies behind late Dada’s wife Sunetra Pawar; CM Devendra Fadnavis says Mahayuti will back NCP’s decision; there is growing buzz about a possible merger of the two rival Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions — a move that could significantly alter the state’s political landscape
NCP MP Sunetra Pawar inaugurates a physiotherapy clinic in Baramati on January 26. Pic/X/@SunetraA_Pawar
Maharashtra politics could be heading for a big shake-up, with two important developments unfolding at the same time. On the one hand, the state will get its first woman deputy chief minister, with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) saying it will elect the late Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar as the legislative party leader. State Minister and senior party leader Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed this on Friday.
On the other hand, there is growing buzz about a possible merger of the two rival Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions — a move that could significantly alter the state’s political landscape.
Speaking to reporters, Bhujbal said, “It was decided among us that we will give Sunetra Pawar’s name as legislative party leader.” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “We will stand by whatever decision the NCP takes...We are standing by the family of Ajit Pawar and NCP.”
Bhujbal said there was broad support within the party for Sunetra Pawar to step into the role. “Sunetra-tai should take charge. There is nothing wrong in her becoming deputy chief minister. Everyone wants this to happen. The final decision will be taken in the legislative party leader meeting today,” Bhujbal said. He added that if everything falls into place, the swearing-in ceremony could take place anytime soon. “As they say, the show must go on,” he remarked. However, a section of NCP leaders claimed that the meeting will be held only once Sunetra gives her nod to call the meeting. “The meeting may happen today or sometime next week,” the leader added.
mid-day reported in its Friday edition that Sunetra was likely to be inducted as deputy chief minister.
Ajit Pawar was the leader of the NCP legislative party and held key portfolios, including finance and planning. He died in a plane crash on January 28 in Baramati.
Chhagan Bhujbal, senior NCP leader
Earlier on Friday, NCP state president and member of Parliament (MP) Sunil Tatkare held a closed-door meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. While there has been no official statement on the meeting, NCP sources claimed that Fadnavis has assured full support to any decision taken by the Pawar family and the party.
Speaking with the media in Mumbai, Tatkare stated that the Pawar family is currently engaged in customary rituals following Ajit Pawar’s death. “Once these rituals are completed, we will discuss the issue with all members of the Pawar family and party and take a decision accordingly,” Tatkare added.
Possible reunion
The possibility of a merger between the two factions of the NCP led by the late Ajit Pawar and the other headed by his uncle Sharad Pawar is gaining momentum.
According to leaders from the NCP-SP camp, several rounds of discussions had already taken place with Ajit on reuniting the party. Senior NCP leader Jayant Patil, speaking with the media, mentioned that plans were in place to work out a possible merger after the zilla parishad elections that have been scheduled for February 2026. “There were plans to explore a merger of both NCP factions after the zilla parishad elections,” Patil said.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
