Maharashtra’s corridors of power buzzed with activity as an NCP delegation engaged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a pivotal discussion on Friday. Triggered by the plane crash that claimed Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s life, the talks zeroed in on electing a fresh legislative party leader and urgently filling the deputy CM vacancy.
The influential group comprised Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, Hasan Mushrif, and Dhananjay Munde. Their exchange reflected the coalition’s push for decisive action on leadership and portfolios amid collective sorrow.
Post-talks, Patel briefed journalists: a party MLAs’ meeting is on the anvil to choose the new leader. ‘We’ve impressed upon the CM the need for immediate calls on cabinet roles and top posts. Our decision will stem from wide consultations,’ he affirmed, vowing to respect sentiments across the party’s spectrum.
On whispers of elevating Sunetra Pawar, Patel was unequivocal: ‘Not discussed today—it’s internal. The grieving family needs time; post-rituals, we’ll confer with her imminently.’ The deputy CM slot, he assured, would see a fitting appointee soon, rooted in MLAs’ views.
Echoing prior sentiments, Narhari Zirwal had pitched Sunetra’s name post-funeral in Baramati to sustain the Pawar lineage in politics. With NCP at a crossroads, these negotiations signal a race against time to fortify governance, as Fadnavis’ administration eyes seamless progression through this leadership interregnum.