Sanjay Raut Slams Discussions on Ajit Pawar’s Successor as ‘Inhumane’

Mumbai | 30 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Friday strongly criticized discussions over the successor of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, calling it “inhumane” to raise such issues while the family is still mourning.

Pawar tragically died in a plane crash on the morning of 28 January near Baramati, Pune district, along with four others. His funeral, held on Thursday in Baramati, saw a large gathering as locals bid tearful farewell to the senior NCP leader.

Raut said, “Raising questions about Ajit Dada’s successor immediately after his death shows a lack of humanity. Whether ministers or MLAs, those who are discussing leadership succession have no sensitivity. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, is still grieving the loss of her husband.”

Calls for Sunetra Pawar’s Inclusion in State Cabinet

A day after Ajit Pawar’s death, discussions emerged within the NCP regarding a place for his widow, Sunetra, in the state cabinet, with some leaders even suggesting she could take on a larger role in the party. Sunetra Pawar, a current Rajya Sabha member, had lost the Baramati seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Ajit Pawar, 66, was an MLA from Baramati and his untimely death has created a significant vacuum in the party. The incident has also intensified discussions on the potential merger between Sharad Pawar-led NCP(SP) and rival factions.