Just days after a shocking tragedy shook Maharashtra politics, a new power question has sparked intense buzz across the state—who will take charge of the Deputy Chief Minister’s chair left vacant after Ajit Pawar’s sudden death?

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar has made it clear that he is not part of any behind-the-scenes planning. Speaking to the media in Baramati, the veteran leader said he has no official information about Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar’s name being considered for the top post.

Sharad Pawar stressed that decisions related to government positions are being handled by the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction and the Mahayuti government, not by him. He said whatever details he has come across are only through news reports and public discussions.

Political corridors in Mumbai, meanwhile, are buzzing. Senior leaders from the Ajit Pawar group are reportedly holding rapid meetings, indicating that the party wants to move fast. According to sources, names like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare are playing an active role in shaping the next move.

Ajit Pawar, 66, lost his life in a tragic plane crash near Baramati, an incident that stunned the state and brought political activity to a sudden pause. But within a short span, speculation has picked up pace that Sunetra Pawar, his wife and a sitting MP, could be elevated to fill the leadership vacuum.

Earlier, senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal publicly stated that Sunetra Pawar’s name has been proposed and that discussions have already been initiated with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding a possible oath-taking ceremony. He also hinted that she could be named the legislative party leader.

When questioned about the speed of these developments, Sharad Pawar clarified that the discussions are not happening in Baramati but in Mumbai. He underlined that the Pawar family stands united during difficult times and dismissed any talk of internal family conflict.

Sharad Pawar also firmly rejected rumours of a merger between the two NCP factions or any move towards joining the NDA, calling such claims “media-created narratives.”