Mumbai, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appears poised to retain the Deputy Chief Minister role in Maharashtra following the passing of party president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. There is a growing demand within the party to appoint Sunetra Pawar, the spouse of the late Deputy CM and a party MP, as the party president and leader of the legislative party.

Should Sunetra Pawar be selected as the legislative party leader, she would emerge as the sole contender for the Deputy Chief Minister position within the BJP-led Mahayuti government.

At a gathering of senior party officials on Wednesday night, numerous leaders advocated for Sunetra Pawar's ascension to the role of party chief and Deputy Chief Minister.

A prominent NCP minister acknowledged that many party members argued in favor of making Sunetra Pawar party president and Deputy Chief Minister to uphold Ajit Pawar’s legacy. However, he noted that the party, still grappling with the shock of Ajit Pawar's sudden demise, has yet to reach a conclusive decision.

Even without a formal merger, NCP leaders have started discussions with party founder and head of a separate faction, Sharad Pawar, regarding future strategies. Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal stated that Sunetra Pawar should take on the role of the next Deputy Chief Minister, emphasizing that it would help preserve the political legacy of the Pawar family.

Ajit Pawar, who managed the Finance portfolio, faced criticism for allegedly favoring certain allocations of funds in coalition governments. Nevertheless, his strong oversight of the department ensured that ministers from other parties relied on him for financial support.

As the Finance portfolio is expected to shift to another party, the NCP must strategize to maintain its influence in the government. This is one reason why NCP leaders are advocating for the critical Deputy Chief Minister position to remain within the Pawar family or be assigned to a loyalist experienced in coalition governance.

Currently, no member of the Pawar family from the NCP holds a seat in the State Assembly. Sunetra Pawar serves as a Rajya Sabha MP, while Ajit Pawar’s sons, Parth and Jai, are not elected officials. Within the broader Pawar family across political lines, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule is a Lok Sabha MP, and Rohit Pawar is the only sitting MLA.

“The challenge facing the Pawar family is to maintain its political control over the NCP. Additionally, the Deputy CM position is crucial for supporting its ministers in this tripartite government. Regardless of whether a merger occurs soon, Sharad Pawar will be integral in this process to ensure the family’s members remain united,” an insider remarked. He added that Sharad Pawar, as the family patriarch, must work to unify all members.

Insiders also indicate that a primary concern for the Pawar family is safeguarding its political and industrial interests, which Ajit Pawar managed effectively despite ideological differences within the family. Both Ajit Pawar and his uncle, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, ensured that political disputes did not interfere with their non-political endeavors, where family members shared organizational roles.

“The decision-making process extends beyond the NCP. The Pawar empire is extensive, and any hasty or ill-considered decision could lead to significant consequences,” the insider stated.