Mumbai — The Nationalist Congress Party is preparing for a crucial leadership transition as Sunetra Pawar is expected to be elected leader of the party’s legislature wing, a move that would clear the path for her appointment as Maharashtra’s next deputy chief minister.
The party’s legislators are scheduled to meet in Mumbai on Friday to formally endorse her leadership. Senior party leaders have indicated that there is broad internal support for the move, reflecting a desire to ensure stability within the organisation and continuity in the state government.
The development follows the sudden death of Ajit Pawar, a senior political figure and former deputy chief minister, whose passing has created a leadership vacuum within both the government and the party. His absence has prompted swift deliberations among party leaders over succession and the future direction of the NCP.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is understood to have conveyed that the state government has no objection to Sunetra Pawar’s elevation once the legislature party completes its formal process. Her appointment would mark a historic milestone, making her the first woman to hold the deputy chief minister’s post in Maharashtra.
Although Sunetra Pawar is currently a member of the Rajya Sabha and not part of the state Assembly, political observers note that the Baramati Assembly seat, earlier represented by her late husband, has become vacant. This could provide an opportunity for her to establish a direct electoral presence in the state legislature in the coming months.
The impending leadership decision is also being closely watched for its impact on party unity. The NCP has experienced internal divisions in recent years, and leaders are keen to prevent further fragmentation at a time when public confidence and organisational stability remain critical.
Veteran party leader Sharad Pawar has maintained that leadership changes should be decided through collective consultation rather than individual influence. His stance is seen as an effort to preserve institutional processes within the party and avoid further internal discord.
Supporters of Sunetra Pawar argue that her elevation represents both continuity and respect for Ajit Pawar’s political legacy, which has shaped Maharashtra’s governance landscape for decades. They believe her leadership can help stabilise the party during a sensitive transition period.
However, some senior leaders remain cautious, warning that unresolved internal tensions could resurface if consensus is not carefully managed. As a result, Friday’s meeting is expected to focus not only on leadership selection but also on reinforcing unity within the party ranks.
With Maharashtra entering a politically significant phase, the outcome of the NCP legislature meeting is likely to influence both government functioning and the state’s broader political balance. All eyes are now on the party’s decision, which could reshape the leadership structure and set the tone for the months ahead.
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