The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is considering a significant role for Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, following his untimely death in a plane crash on Wednesday near Baramati in Pune district. Ajit Pawar, along with four others, died when a chartered aircraft crashed just 200 meters from the tabletop airstrip. He was cremated with full state honours on Thursday.
Senior NCP leader Narhari Zirwal told PTI that public sentiment strongly supports Sunetra Pawar’s induction into the state ministry. Sunetra, currently a Rajya Sabha member, is widely expected to contest the Baramati seat vacated by her husband, marking her formal entry into active politics.
Internal party consultations have been underway, with senior leaders like Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde, and Sunil Tatkare reportedly meeting Sunetra Pawar to discuss leadership succession and political strategy. According to sources, the party is also considering appointing her as Deputy Chief Minister, mirroring her late husband’s position in the current Mahayuti government.
The discussions come amid speculation over NCP’s future, including the possibility of reunification with Sharad Pawar’s faction or continuing with the ruling Mahayuti alliance alongside the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Zirwal, however, emphasized that internal divisions in the party have largely dissolved, highlighting the need for unity in this transitional phase.
NCP’s working president Praful Patel is expected to play a central role in steering the party during this period. Senior leaders are also expected to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss Sunetra Pawar’s potential appointment and the broader roadmap for the government.
As the state mourns Ajit Pawar’s loss, political observers are closely watching how Sunetra Pawar steps into the spotlight and whether she will carry forward her late husband’s political legacy in Maharashtra.
