The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is set for a major leadership change, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar emerging as the strongest contender for the post of national president, according to India TV sources. The final decision is expected to be taken in the coming days through the party’s official organisational process.
Sources told India TV that the matter will be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the NCP’s national executive committee, which is responsible for appointing the party’s national chief. This development comes shortly after the tragic death of Ajit Pawar, who was serving as both the NCP’s national president and Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister.
Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, sending shockwaves across Maharashtra politics and triggering intense discussions within the NCP about leadership continuity. Since then, several senior leaders within the party have reportedly come together in support of Sunetra Pawar, urging the leadership to entrust her with the party’s top post.
In a significant show of unity, more than 30 senior NCP office-bearers have written a joint letter to National Working President Praful Patel and Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare. As per India TV sources, the letter unanimously backs Sunetra Pawar’s elevation as national president, calling her a stabilising and unifying figure for the party during a difficult period.
Party insiders believe that appointing Sunetra Pawar will help the NCP maintain organisational stability and strengthen its political direction at a time when it is dealing with both emotional and strategic challenges. The leadership change is also seen as crucial for consolidating the party’s base across states.
Sunetra Pawar, 62, recently took oath as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. The oath was administered by Governor Acharya Devvrat in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. She has been allocated key portfolios including excise, sports and youth welfare, and minority welfare—departments earlier handled by Ajit Pawar.
