Mumbai’s political landscape is undergoing a seismic shift following the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. In a move that has stunned observers, his wife Sunetra Pawar is poised to step into his formidable shoes, potentially taking oath as the state’s next Deputy Chief Minister this evening.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Ajit Pawar’s faction, has convened a crucial meeting at 2 PM today to formally elect Sunetra as the leader of the legislative party. This decision comes amid mourning at the Pawar family’s Devagiri bungalow, where party workers gathered in grief Saturday morning.
Rupali Patel, a devoted party worker, shared her anguish outside the residence. ‘Ajit Dada treated us like his own children. It’s impossible to believe he’s gone. He gave ordinary workers like us a chance in politics,’ she said, her voice breaking. Patel highlighted Sunetra’s behind-the-scenes role in managing affairs and noted that workers have urged her to carry forward Ajit Pawar’s vision.
Sources confirm Sunetra Pawar will take the oath at 5 PM, marking her as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister. This swift transition could derail ongoing merger talks between Ajit Pawar’s NCP and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP). Speculation had been rife after NCP (SP)’s Eknath Khadse claimed negotiations, spanning three to four months, were nearly finalized.
Anil Deshmukh, former Home Minister, echoed that Ajit desired unity, with meetings led by Jayant Patil reinforcing the call for both factions to unite. Yet, the NCP’s choice to stay with the NDA and appoint Sunetra signals a firm pivot away from merger prospects.
As Maharashtra navigates this pivotal moment, Sunetra Pawar’s ascension underscores the enduring Pawar family legacy in state politics, promising continuity amid uncertainty.
