Maharashtra Politics: Sunetra Pawar May Be Considered for Deputy CM; Praful Patel Could Lead NCP

Mumbai, January 30, 2026: The sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash has set off a flurry of political activity within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Senior party leaders have reportedly urged Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s wife and a sitting Rajya Sabha MP, to take on the role of Deputy Chief Minister in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, though she has yet to make a decision.

The discussions also involve the possibility of Praful Patel assuming leadership of the NCP, ensuring continuity and stability in the party. NCP sources indicate that any potential merger with Sharad Pawar’s faction will be temporarily put on hold, with final decisions expected once the party stabilizes.

Political Consultations:
Following Ajit Pawar’s funeral, senior NCP leaders, including Praful Patel and Cabinet Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, met Sunetra Pawar at her Pune residence to discuss the party’s future and participation in the state government. During the meeting, Sunetra Pawar did not offer a response, but leaders reportedly stressed the importance of her active role in politics to maintain the party’s influence.

Deputy CM and Party Leadership Roles:
Sources suggest that senior leaders are keen on Sunetra Pawar taking the Deputy Chief Minister post, while Praful Patel could be appointed as NCP president. NCP minister Narhari Zirwal stated that public sentiment favors Sunetra Pawar joining the state cabinet. While no official announcement has been made, party insiders see her elevation as a move to unify supporters and strengthen the party’s position in the government.

Baramati By-Election:
Sunetra Pawar is currently in Baramati, where she will remain for 12 days for funeral and mourning proceedings. Ajit Pawar’s passing has left the Baramati Assembly seat vacant, prompting internal discussions over whether Parth Pawar or Sunetra Pawar should contest the by-election. Ajit Pawar had represented Baramati uninterrupted since 1991, and local leaders believe a Pawar family candidate would likely secure victory. Sunetra Pawar had previously contested Baramati in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against Supriya Sule but was unsuccessful, after which she was elected to the Rajya Sabha.

NCP’s Government Role:
Ajit Pawar had held crucial portfolios, including Finance, Planning, and Excise, in the Deputy CM’s office. NCP sources confirmed that the party intends to request the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to assign these departments to NCP ministers. Currently, the NCP is the third-largest party in the Maharashtra Assembly, with 41 MLAs, and has three Rajya Sabha members, including Praful Patel and Sunetra Pawar. In the Lok Sabha, Sunil Tatkare is the sole representative.

With Sunetra Pawar’s decision pending and the Baramati by-election on the horizon, the NCP’s internal strategy and its role in the government remain closely watched by political observers.