The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is considering the induction of Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, into the state government, amid growing speculation over the party’s future after his death in a plane crash on Wednesday.
Senior NCP leader and Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal said public sentiment is strongly in favour of giving Sunetra Pawar a ministerial role.
Speaking to news agency PTI, Zirwal said there is a clear demand from people that “vahini”, as she is popularly known, should be entrusted with responsibility in the state ministry.
The development comes at a crucial time for the NCP, with questions emerging over leadership succession and whether the party will continue with the ruling Mahayuti alliance or explore reunification with Sharad Pawar’s faction.
According to an India Today report quoting sources, senior leaders including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde and Sunil Tatkare have held multiple meetings with Sunetra Pawar as part of internal consultations on political strategy.
Sources further indicated that Sunetra Pawar may contest from the Baramati seat vacated by Ajit Pawar if elections are announced.
There is also speculation within party circles about a proposal to appoint her as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, a post previously held by her late husband.
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