NCP Leaders Propose Sunetra Pawar as Party’s National President Following Ajit Pawar’s Demise

Mumbai: Following the untimely death of Ajit Pawar, calls are growing within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to appoint his wife, Sunetra Pawar, as the party’s national president. More than 30 office-bearers from various NCP cells have written to Executive President Praful Patel and Maharashtra State President Sunil Tatkare, formally proposing her candidature. Sunetra Pawar was recently sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Context of the Proposal
The letter comes a day after Praful Patel denied reports suggesting he had been appointed as the new NCP chief, calling the speculation baseless. Ajit Pawar, 66, NCP leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, tragically died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28.

Details of the Letter
The signatories, representing over 30 different party cells, described Ajit Pawar as a visionary leader and a pillar of the NCP. The letter emphasized that in these challenging times, the party urgently needs a strong and unifying leadership. It highlighted Sunetra Pawar’s dedication, noting that she assumed the Deputy CM role under difficult circumstances, demonstrating her commitment to both the party and the state.

The letter further stated: “Considering her experience, loyalty to the party, and affection for party workers, we firmly believe that Sunetra Ajit Pawar is fully suited for the role of NCP National President. We, therefore, unanimously and respectfully urge the party leadership to appoint her to this position and hope our request will be favorably considered.”

Inside Party Dynamics
Babasheb Patil, head of the party’s cultural cell, confirmed that the letter included signatures from leaders across youth, student, and cultural wings of the party. However, NCP Women’s Wing President Rupali Chakankar, who also chairs the State Women’s Commission, did not sign the letter. Patil explained that he included signatures from those he could reach and was confident Chakankar’s opinion would be in alignment.

This proposal comes amid internal power dynamics within the NCP and speculation about a potential merger with Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).