Amid reports of a swift political transition following the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is preparing to elevate his wife, Sunetra Pawar, to the post of Deputy CM.
Media reports suggest that Sunetra Pawar, currently a Rajya Sabha MP, is expected to take oath on Saturday after being named leader of the NCP legislature party at a scheduled meeting in Mumbai.
Senior party leaders and state ministers have indicated that the ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is supportive of the move despite the ongoing mourning period.
While the NCP is likely to retain key portfolios held by Ajit Pawar, the Finance ministry may shift to the BJP camp, highlighting both continuity and recalibration within the state’s power structure. The final decision is expected to emerge from internal party deliberations later on Saturday.
A Delicate Transition Within the Ruling Alliance
According to reports, the NCP legislature party meeting has been convened for Saturday afternoon, where Sunetra Pawar is expected to be unanimously named the party’s leader in the Maharashtra Assembly.
State minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed the meeting, telling reporters that “many leaders want her to become the deputy chief minister,” and added that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has conveyed that he has “no issues” with the oath-taking ceremony taking place on Saturday.
Sources indicate that the ceremony may follow soon after the legislature party meeting, subject to procedural clearances and discussions around the mourning period.
Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, is not currently a member of either House of the Maharashtra legislature, a requirement that can be met within six months of assuming ministerial office. Reports also note that the Baramati Assembly seat has fallen vacant following Ajit Pawar’s death, a factor that may shape future electoral and organisational decisions within the party.
If sworn in, Sunetra Pawar would not only mark a significant moment for the NCP but would also emerge as one of the few women to hold the Deputy Chief Minister’s post in Maharashtra, a development that carries both symbolic and political weight.
Portfolios, Procedural Questions, and Party Calculations
Media reports suggest that while the NCP is expected to retain two of the portfolios previously held by Ajit Pawar, there may be a reshuffle within the cabinet. Sunetra Pawar is likely to be assigned the Excise and Sports ministries, departments considered politically important and administratively visible.
The Finance portfolio, however, is reportedly set to move to the BJP, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expected to take charge, at least for the time being. This shift is being viewed by political observers as a pragmatic move, especially with the state’s budgetary considerations and fiscal planning underway.
At the same time, senior NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare are said to be examining the technicalities surrounding the mourning period and oath-taking protocol. Speaking on the matter, Bhujbal noted that there is no fixed rule, explaining that “sometimes there is a three-day mourning period and sometimes ten days,” underscoring that such decisions often depend on circumstances and consensus.
The deliberations reflect the party’s attempt to balance respect for personal loss with the need for administrative continuity in a politically sensitive moment.
Beyond procedural aspects, the development also points to broader strategic considerations within the NCP. Reports indicate that party leaders have been contemplating a “bigger role” for Sunetra Pawar, viewing her elevation as a means to consolidate leadership, prevent internal uncertainty, and maintain stability within the ruling alliance.
However, the move has also drawn attention to internal dynamics within the wider Pawar family and the party’s factions, adding layers of political complexity to what is already an emotionally charged situation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Political transitions born out of personal tragedy demand an approach rooted not only in constitutional propriety but also in empathy, transparency, and dialogue. If the reported developments unfold as expected, Sunetra Pawar’s elevation would represent both continuity in governance and a moment of profound personal responsibility.
While it is essential for any elected government to function without disruption, it is equally important that such transitions are handled with sensitivity, clear communication, and respect for democratic norms.
