This rapid succession has sparked intense political discussion, raising questions about the future of the ruling alliance and the delicate dynamics within the prominent Pawar family.
A Unanimous Decision Amidst Grief
The NCP moved with remarkable speed to fill the leadership vacuum. On Saturday afternoon, legislators gathered at Mumbai's Vidhan Bhavan, where senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal proposed Sunetra Pawar's name for the post of legislature party leader. The motion was unanimously approved, formally nominating her for the Deputy Chief Minister's position in the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The post fell vacant following the death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. The charter aircraft crashed while attempting to land in poor visibility conditions, claiming the lives of all five people on board.
The Political Calculus and Family Dynamics
The haste in appointing a successor, just three days after the fatal crash, has surprised many political observers. Analysis suggests that senior leaders within Ajit Pawar's NCP faction acted quickly to consolidate their position, fearing that a pending merger with the rival NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar could diminish their influence.
Notably, Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar's uncle and the founder of the NCP, stated he was not consulted about the decision to elevate Sunetra Pawar and was unaware of the plans. This highlights the ongoing rift within the family and the party, which split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar joined the BJP-led government.
Despite the swift move, sources indicate that the crucial Finance portfolio, previously held by Ajit Pawar, will remain with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Sunetra Pawar's Ascent and What Lies Ahead
Sunetra Pawar's entry into active politics was relatively recent. She contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Baramati but lost to her sister-in-law, Supriya Sule. She was later elected as a Rajya Sabha MP in June 2024. Before her political plunge, she was known for her work in social initiatives, particularly through the Environmental Forum of India, and her involvement in a textile park project aimed at women's employment.
Her immediate challenge will be to secure a seat in the Maharashtra state legislature. As a Rajya Sabha MP, she must resign from Parliament and win a by-election or get elected to the Legislative Council within six months to retain her ministerial position.
Historic First: Sunetra Pawar will become the first woman to hold the Deputy Chief Minister's post in Maharashtra.
Swift Transition: The NCP moved within 72 hours of Ajit Pawar's death to elect his successor.
Portfolio Allocation: While becoming Deputy CM, she is not expected to take charge of the key Finance Ministry.
Future Test: She must secure a seat in the state legislature within six months to continue in the role.
The coming days will test Sunetra Pawar's ability to navigate a complex political landscape, unite a party in flux, and define her own leadership while stepping out of the shadow of her late husband's formidable legacy. The moves also set the stage for a potential recalibration of power within Maharashtra's ruling coalition.
