Mumbai, Feb 26 (NationPress) Newly appointed President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Sunetra Pawar, is confronted with various challenges, including personal electoral contests and the party's very existence.

Her primary objective is to enhance the party's structure, not only in Maharashtra but nationwide, while continuing the legacy of her late husband, Ajit Pawar, who was the former National President and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Taking over at a crucial moment, Sunetra Pawar steps into the role following her husband's passing.

The first hurdle she must overcome is winning the upcoming by-election in Baramati.

Currently, she is not a member of either the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly or Council.

To retain her position as Deputy Chief Minister, she must secure a seat in the State Legislature within six months.

She is preparing to contest the Baramati Assembly by-election.

While there are discussions about the possibility of the opposition, Maha Vikas Aghadi, granting her an "unopposed" victory to honor Ajit Pawar, a contested election would serve as a significant test for the NCP's local leadership.

Furthermore, Sunetra Pawar must adeptly manage the complex "Pawar vs. Pawar" situation.

Her presidency is overshadowed by her relationship with veteran leader and NCP-SP President Sharad Pawar.

Speculation is rife regarding a potential merger between her faction and that of Sharad Pawar.

She will need to make a careful decision about merging the two factions or positioning the NCP as an ally of the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, while also remaining a partner within the NDA at the national level.

Opting for a merger could jeopardize the unique identity that Ajit Pawar fought to establish.

Conversely, rejecting this path would mean facing strong competition against the enduring emotional connection Sharad Pawar has with the Maratha populace.

Additionally, Sunetra Pawar must navigate the intricate power-sharing arrangement with the BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, especially with the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for 2029.

She has to ensure that the NCP retains its status as an equal alliance partner and does not get overshadowed by the larger BJP apparatus.

As the Minister of State for Excise and Minority Development, she needs to demonstrate administrative efficacy swiftly to validate her position beyond being merely a "legacy appointment."

Moreover, Sunetra Pawar faces the critical task of unifying the NCP, especially given that Ajit Pawar's leadership was characterized by deep personal loyalty from MLAs and his "Dada" (big brother) persona.

Numerous senior leaders within the NCP, including Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, are experienced figures with their own aspirations.

Hence, Sunetra Pawar must assert her authority to keep internal factions from diverging the party's direction.

Furthermore, she will need to balance her approach with a mix of veteran party members and younger leaders.

Transitioning from her background in social work and behind-the-scenes management, she must evolve into a charismatic orator capable of energizing party workers for the approaching local body and Zilla Parishad elections.

According to party insiders, Parth Pawar, the son of Ajit and Sunetra Pawar, is anticipated to be nominated for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16.

While such practices are common in Indian politics, Sunetra Pawar must address public perceptions of the NCP becoming a family-centric organization, especially given that the initial split in the party was partly driven by similar allegations.

(Contact Sanjay Jog at sanjay.j@ians.in)