In an emotional and expedited political maneuver, Sunetra Pawar is on track to succeed her late husband Ajit Pawar as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister. The NCP’s key meeting at 2 PM will confirm her as legislative leader, with oath-taking slated for 5 PM Saturday.
Grief hung heavy at Devagiri Bungalow, drawing crowds of heartbroken workers. ‘He gave us wings when we were nobodies,’ recounted Rupali Patel. ‘Sunetra Mausi has always been the backbone. Our request for her to helm the party met with her poignant acceptance amid profound loss.’
Becoming the first woman in this role, Sunetra’s rise halts buzz around unifying NCP factions. NCP (SP)’s Eknath Khadse had boasted of sealed merger deals after prolonged discussions, bolstered by Anil Deshmukh’s assertion of Ajit’s pro-unity stance and Jayant Patil’s facilitation efforts.
Opting to remain in the NDA fold, Ajit Pawar’s NCP prioritizes leadership continuity over reconciliation. This choice reverberates through state politics, where Pawar dynasty dynamics have long shaped alliances and rivalries.
Sunetra’s entry brings a fresh dynamic to the cabinet, blending familial loyalty with administrative savvy honed over years. As tributes pour in, her leadership promises to safeguard the faction’s autonomy, thwarting opposition overtures and fortifying the ruling coalition’s numbers in the assembly.