In a rapid political development, leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday, seeking a swift decision on filling the vacant Deputy Chief Minister’s post following the tragic death of Ajit Pawar . The meeting underscores the immediate push to manage the significant power vacuum left in state politics, even as a separate investigation into the fatal plane crash that claimed Pawar’s life was handed over to the state’s Crime Investigation Department (CID) .
The high-level NCP delegation, comprising senior figures like Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal, asserted the party’s claim to retain the crucial cabinet portfolios held by Ajit Pawar, which include Finance, State Excise, and Sports . Speaking to reporters, Patel emphasized the alliance’s need to fill the post promptly while being mindful of public sentiment and the family’s grief .
Key Developments at a Glance
Political Meeting: NCP leaders met CM Fadnavis to discuss succession and portfolio retention .
Succession Focus: Internal party discussions point to Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s widow, as a leading contender for the Deputy CM role .
Investigation Update: The probe into the January 28 Baramati plane crash has been transferred from Pune Rural Police to the Maharashtra CID .
Merger Talks Revived: Ajit Pawar’s death has reignited speculation about a merger between the two NCP factions, with aides confirming it was a priority for the late leader .
The Political Maneuvering: Succession and Portfolios
The Ajit Pawar succession question is dominating political circles. While the NCP’s legislative party is expected to meet within a day or two to formalize its choice, the name of Sunetra Pawar is widely expected to be proposed . A Rajya Sabha MP with a background in social work and business, her potential elevation is seen as a move to ensure continuity and stability within the party and the ruling Mahayuti alliance .
Praful Patel clarified that while Sunetra Pawar’s name was part of internal discussions, it was not explicitly discussed with CM Fadnavis. The final decision will follow consultations with all party legislators . The NCP is keen to quickly resolve the leadership question to maintain its influence, especially over the financially significant Finance portfolio .
CID Takes Charge of Plane Crash Probe
Separately, the Maharashtra police issued orders transferring the investigation into the fatal plane crash to the state CID . The Pune Rural Police had registered an accidental death case under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following the January 28 crash, which killed Ajit Pawar, two pilots, his personal security officer, and a flight attendant .
A senior official stated that the CID team has begun its work, which includes collecting documents from local police and visiting the crash site near the Baramati airstrip. A primary aim of the probe is to rule out any sabotage to the aircraft before its journey from Mumbai . The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has also initiated a separate investigation .
A Legacy and a Possible Merger
The sudden political shift has also revived talks of a long-anticipated unification of the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar with the one led by his uncle, Sharad Pawar . Close aides have revealed that Ajit Pawar was actively planning a merger and had reached an advanced stage in talks before his death, viewing it as a necessary step for the party’s future .
This potential NCP merger could dramatically alter Maharashtra’s political calculus, creating a larger, consolidated bloc with significant numbers in both the state assembly and the Lok Sabha .
What Lies Ahead
The coming days are critical for Maharashtra’s political landscape. The NCP’s legislative party meeting will likely set the official course for succession, after which a formal recommendation will be made to Chief Minister Fadnavis . The alliance’s acceptance of the candidate, especially if it is Sunetra Pawar, will be a key test of stability.
Concurrently, the CID’s findings from its crash investigation will be closely watched for any new details surrounding the tragedy that precipitated this period of political transition. As the state mourns, its political gears are turning rapidly to address the new reality shaped by Ajit Pawar’s absence.
