The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has entered a decisive and emotionally charged phase following the sudden death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. Within two days of the tragedy, intense political discussions have begun inside the party, signalling a major leadership transition and a possible reshaping of Maharashtra’s power structure.
According to sources familiar with the developments, senior leaders of the NCP are considering a proposal to bring Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s wife and current Rajya Sabha member, into the Maharashtra cabinet. The plan under discussion goes beyond a symbolic role and includes positioning her as a strong administrative face of the party in the state government.
Party insiders suggest that the shock of Ajit Pawar’s death has pushed rival factions of the NCP closer, with growing consensus that internal divisions can no longer continue. Several leaders believe that unity is necessary to protect the party’s political future and maintain its influence in the state’s ruling setup.
In recent hours, a series of closed-door meetings have reportedly taken place involving senior NCP figures. These discussions are understood to be part of a broader strategy to stabilise the party and decide on leadership continuity. As part of this plan, Sunetra Pawar may contest from the Baramati constituency, a political stronghold long associated with the Pawar family and recently vacated following Ajit Pawar’s demise.
Sources also indicate that the NCP leadership is likely to approach Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis soon to formally present their proposal and deliberate on the party’s role in the government going forward. The outcome of these talks could play a crucial role in determining whether the NCP retains its current political standing or undergoes a larger reorganisation.
Sunetra Pawar comes from a well-established political background. She is the daughter of veteran leader Padma Singh Patil and has been active in organisational and social initiatives for several years. Although she previously faced an electoral defeat in the Baramati Lok Sabha contest, she later entered Parliament through an unopposed Rajya Sabha election in 2024.
Apart from her political engagements, Sunetra Pawar is associated with educational, industrial, and environmental organisations, giving her administrative exposure beyond electoral politics. With emotions running high and political calculations underway, the coming days are expected to be critical for both the NCP and Maharashtra’s political landscape.
