Maharashtra

Mumbai: Following the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, discussions have begun regarding the potential merger of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—one led by Ajit Pawar and the other by his uncle, political veteran Sharad Pawar. However, sources indicate that a decision on the merger has been postponed for now. Why the Delay?The Ajit Pawar faction believes that Sunetra Pawar, the late Deputy CM’s widow, should first consolidate her position within the party before any merger is considered. This is seen as crucial, given that the Sharad Pawar-led faction has been pressing for a quick unification and had planned to announce the merger as early as December. A swift merger could limit Sunetra Pawar’s influence even afte...

Mumbai: Sunetra Pawar is set to take the oath as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister today at 5 PM, succeeding her late husband Ajit Pawar. Before the ceremony, she will formally be elected as the leader of the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) legislative party. Currently, Sunetra Pawar is a Rajya Sabha MP and the widow of the late Ajit Pawar. A New Political JourneyFollowing her husband’s sudden demise, Sunetra Pawar is beginning a new chapter in active politics. In Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar’s supporters affectionately called him “Dada”, while party workers referred to Sunetra Pawar as “Vahini” (sister-in-law). Until 2023, she remained largely away from active politics, though she was actively involved in social and community work. In 2024, she contested the Baramati Lok Sabha seat for the first...

Mumbai: Following the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his wife Sunetra Pawar is set to take over the role of Deputy Chief Minister in the MahaYuti government. She is expected to be administered the oath of office and secrecy on Saturday evening, which will make her the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of the state. Legislative Party Meeting to Decide LeadershipEarlier today, the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) convened a meeting of its legislative party at the Maharashtra Legislature to elect its leader. Sunetra Pawar’s name is reportedly the frontrunner for the position. Maharashtra NCP (AP) President and MP Sunil Tatkare said, “The legislative party meeting will be held at 2 PM on Saturday. All MLAs will be present. Discussions will be held with Sunetra Pawar, and...

Mumbai: Speculation has been rife over whether Sunetra Pawar, widow of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, will be appointed Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister. On Friday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the matter, stating that the BJP will support any decision taken by Ajit Pawar’s family and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Uncertainty in NCP After Ajit Pawar’s DemiseThe sudden demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has stirred political activity within the NCP. Key questions now are: Who will lead the NCP, and who will assume the role of Deputy Chief Minister? Meetings are underway to decide these issues. NCP leaders have been emphasizing Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP and Ajit Pawar’s wife, as a potential candidate. This has fueled discussions that she could become the...