Will Sunetra Pawar be Maharashtra's New Deputy CM? Minister's Big Hint

The political landscape of Maharashtra is witnessing a significant tremor following the untimely demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, while as the state mourns the loss of a powerful leader, discussions regarding his successor have already begun. Narhari Zirwal, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a cabinet minister in the Eknath Shinde-led government, has dropped a major hint regarding the future of the Deputy CM post.

Narhari Zirwal's Crucial Statement

Speaking to the media after the last rites of Ajit Pawar in Baramati, Narhari Zirwal expressed that there is a strong public sentiment to bring Sunetra Pawar, the wife of the late leader, into the state cabinet. Zirwal stated, "The people want 'Vahini' (sister-in-law, Sunetra Pawar) to be inducted into the ministry. We will discuss this with the party leadership and take a final call soon, while " His statement suggests that the party is looking for a way to maintain its influence and provide emotional stability to its cadre.

Sunetra Pawar's Political Journey

Sunetra Pawar is currently a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. While she has been a pillar of support for Ajit Pawar throughout his political career,. She has mostly operated behind the scenes or focused on social work in the Baramati constituency. If she's appointed as the Deputy CM, it would mark her formal entry into state-level governance. Her elevation is seen as a move to keep the Pawar legacy intact within the Mahayuti alliance.

The Unification of NCP Factions

One of the most surprising elements of Zirwal's interaction was his comment on the NCP's internal division. He claimed that the two factions of the NCP—one led by Ajit Pawar and the other by Sharad Pawar—are already coming together. "Everyone has realized that there is no point in staying scattered. We've to stay together to survive and grow," Zirwal added, while this potential reunification could change the entire arithmetic of Maharashtra politics ahead of the upcoming elections.

The Tragic Plane Crash

The vacancy for the Deputy CM post arose after a chartered plane carrying Ajit Pawar and four others crashed in Baramati on Wednesday, while the accident claimed the lives of everyone on board, leaving the state in shock. Ajit Pawar had joined the Mahayuti government in July 2023, a move that led to a split in the party founded by his uncle, Sharad Pawar. Eventually, the Election Commission recognized Ajit Pawar's faction as the real NCP.

Impact on the Mahayuti Alliance

The Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), and NCP, now faces the challenge of filling the void left by Ajit Pawar. Appointing Sunetra Pawar could be a strategic move to retain the support of the NCP's core voter base. It remains to be seen how the senior partners, BJP and Shiv Sena, respond to this proposal. The decision will be crucial for the stability of the government and its performance in future polls.

Conclusion

While an official announcement is yet to be made, the endorsement from a senior minister like Narhari Zirwal carries significant weight. Sunetra Pawar's potential rise to the Deputy CM's office would be a historic moment. In Maharashtra's political history, marking a new chapter for the NCP and the Pawar family.