Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) working president Supriya Sule on Friday said she would be the first person to garland Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar if she becomes the Chief Minister of Maharashtra — but pointedly added that party alignments ahead of the 2029 elections remain an open question. The remarks, made in Pune, came in direct response to a statement by NCP youth leader Jai Pawar projecting Sunetra as a future Chief Minister.

What Triggered the Debate

Jai Pawar said that during recent discussions with colleagues, a shared dream emerged among the people of Baramati — of seeing Ajit Pawar, referred to as 'Dada', as Chief Minister. He noted that dream remained unfulfilled due to Ajit Pawar's "accidental passing." Jai Pawar added that Sunetra Pawar, referred to as 'Sunetra Kaki', is "working incredibly hard" and expressed hope that she would contest the 2029 Assembly elections from Baramati and eventually rise to the top post.

Sunetra Pawar's political standing has risen sharply in recent months. She was sworn in as Maharashtra's first female Deputy Chief Minister in January 2026 and secured a significant electoral mandate in May 2026, making the 'Sunetra for CM' narrative a strategic projection for the NCP ahead of the next major election cycle.

Sule's Measured Response

Supriya Sule's response was both gracious and guarded. "Who will be in which party during the 2029 elections? That will only be known in 2029," she said, underscoring the fluid nature of Maharashtra's political alliances. The remark is widely read as a subtle reminder that the NCP remains split, and that Sunetra Pawar belongs to the rival Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction currently in government.

Alliance Partners and Opposition React

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Pravin Darekar said there is nothing wrong with Jai Pawar expressing the aspirations of party workers, but cautioned that everything ultimately "depends on the numbers." Shiv Sena minister Bharat Gogawale adopted a wait-and-watch stance, saying, "We will have to wait till 2029 to see how things take shape."

State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant was more pointed in his criticism. "Children always harbour the desire to become big influencers," he said, before adding that parties aligned with the BJP rarely secure the Chief Minister's post. He cited the examples of Nitish Kumar and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to argue that the BJP "wants to establish absolute rule in the country." Sawant said that anyone genuinely aspiring to the Chief Minister's chair must have the courage to stand in opposition and fight the BJP. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) legislator Jitendra Awhad said everyone has the right to dream, but emphasised that the mandate ultimately comes from the people.

Sule Dismisses 'Operation Tutari' Buzz

Separately, Supriya Sule on Friday dismissed ongoing speculation around what is being called "Operation Tutari" — reportedly a political manoeuvre targeting her position. "I have been hearing talk of 'Operation Tutari' ever since I was elected. This has been going on for many years," she said, adding that she and her party are "self-respecting Marathi people" with "no hidden dealings or scandals."

Sule also launched a sharp attack on the current state government over agrarian distress, citing the plight of onion farmers, the impact of unseasonal rains, a shortage of urea linked to global conflicts, and farmers not receiving fair prices for their produce. Recalling the Pahalgam attack, she noted that Sharad Pawar was the first to call it an attack on the nation and that her party had set politics aside to stand with the government at that moment. "We believe in the order of Country first, then State, then Party, and finally Family," she said. She questioned whether a government preoccupied with internal notices, ministerial disputes, and administrative appointments has any time to address farmers' hardships. As Maharashtra's political landscape shifts ahead of 2029, the 'Sunetra for CM' debate is likely to intensify with each passing month.