Who Will Inherit Ajit Pawar’s Political Power? Silence in Pawar Family, Intense Churn Within NCP

The sudden demise of senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar has plunged Maharashtra’s political landscape into deep uncertainty. While the Pawar family has maintained a studied silence, intense deliberations are reportedly underway within the party and the ruling Mahayuti alliance over the question of political succession.

The development comes at a crucial juncture, as talks regarding the merger of the two NCP factions were nearing a decisive stage. Ajit Pawar was widely believed to be preparing an official announcement on the unification of the party following the district council election results expected in early February.

According to party insiders, the sudden turn of events has forced the leadership to temporarily put the merger process on hold.

Merger Talks and Family Silence

Sources claim that an understanding had already been reached between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar on a broad power-sharing framework within a unified NCP. However, with Ajit Pawar’s passing, the family is said to be reassessing political responsibilities before making any formal declaration.

Senior NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse has publicly stated that the merger between the two factions was “almost final” and only awaited a formal announcement.

Political observers suggest that if the unification proceeds, Sunetra Pawar could emerge as the principal face of the party in Maharashtra, while Supriya Sule may take charge of the party’s national and parliamentary coordination in New Delhi. Ajit Pawar’s son Parth Pawar is expected to retain political control over Baramati, long considered the Pawar family’s traditional stronghold.

No official confirmation has been issued by the Pawar family so far.

Deputy Chief Minister Post in Focus

Within the Mahayuti government, discussions have intensified over filling the political vacuum left by Ajit Pawar, who served as Deputy Chief Minister.

Senior NCP leaders Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and Chhagan Bhujbal have reportedly proposed Sunetra Pawar’s name for the post of Deputy Chief Minister and have conveyed the suggestion to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Sunetra Pawar is currently a Rajya Sabha MP with nearly five years remaining in her term. If appointed Deputy Chief Minister, she would be required to resign from the Upper House, potentially triggering a by-election from Baramati or adjustments through the Legislative Council quota.

Sources further indicate that while Sunetra Pawar may assume the Deputy CM’s role, the powerful Finance Ministry, earlier held by Ajit Pawar, could be entrusted to senior MLA Dilip Walse Patil.

Power Calculations Ahead of Merger

Meanwhile, reports suggest that leaders from the Sharad Pawar faction, including Jayant Patil and Rohit Pawar, may stake claim to key ministerial positions in the event of a merger. This possibility has unsettled Ajit Pawar loyalists, who fear a dilution of their influence in a reunited party.

Party insiders believe that if the factions reunite, Sharad Pawar’s political authority will remain decisive — a scenario prompting Ajit Pawar’s camp to consolidate its position before any formal merger.

In this context, internal discussions are underway to finalize three crucial aspects in advance:

• the Deputy Chief Minister’s post,
• the presidency of the NCP, and
• the allocation of key ministries.

If Sunetra Pawar becomes Deputy CM, the party presidency may go either to Praful Patel or Sunil Tatkare. Patel currently serves as the NCP’s working president.

MLAs’ Meeting Likely

The NCP currently commands the support of 41 MLAs, a number considered critical in sustaining the Mahayuti government amid pressure from alliance partners.

According to sources, leaders loyal to Ajit Pawar are preparing to convene a meeting of the legislative party in the coming days, with the objective of formally endorsing Sunetra Pawar as the new leader.

As Maharashtra awaits clarity, one thing is certain — Ajit Pawar’s absence has triggered a high-stakes power struggle, the outcome of which may redefine not only the future of the NCP, but also the balance of power within the state government.