Pawar Family Endorses Sunetra Pawar for NCP Leadership Role
In a significant political development in Pune, the Pawar family has publicly thrown its weight behind Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to assume the position of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) national president. This endorsement comes in the wake of Sharad Pawar taking on a guiding role for the family following the recent passing of his nephew, Ajit Pawar.
Family Consensus Emerges Amidst Transition
On Thursday, family members expressed their unified support for Sunetra Pawar to lead the party. Rohit Pawar, the NCP (SP) state general secretary and Ajit Pawar's nephew, addressed reporters in Baramati, stating, "As the Pawar family, we also wish that after taking charge as deputy CM, Sunetra Kaki (aunt) should be the next NCP chief." This statement underscores the family's collective stance during this period of transition and mourning.
Merger Discussions Deferred to Post-Mourning Period
While some senior NCP functionaries have shown reluctance towards a potential merger with NCP (SP), the Pawar family has clarified that Sunetra Pawar will be the primary spokesperson on this matter for her party. Rohit Pawar emphasized that no formal discussions regarding the merger have taken place within the family yet. "We will take it up after the mourning period as it is important to know the members' opinions," he explained. He further noted that since Sunetra Pawar has assumed the role of deputy chief minister and enjoys the support of all NCP MLAs, she will address the merger issue after February 9, paving the way for subsequent deliberations.
Sharad Pawar's Role in Easing Family Tensions
The possibility of a reunification between the factions has gained momentum following Sharad Pawar's proactive efforts to mitigate internal family tensions. In a notable gesture, he visited Sunetra Pawar and her sons at their Baramati residence for the second consecutive day on Thursday. This move is seen as a strategic step to foster unity and dialogue within the family during a challenging time.
Contrasting Views Among Senior NCP Members
However, not all party members are aligned on the merger front. Some senior NCP figures, including Patel and state chief Sunil Tatkare, have disputed Sharad Pawar's assertion that his nephew had initiated steps towards the NCP's merger. This divergence of opinions highlights the complexities and potential hurdles in achieving a seamless unification of the party factions.
The political landscape in Maharashtra remains fluid as the Pawar family navigates leadership changes and merger prospects, with all eyes on Sunetra Pawar's upcoming statements and actions post-February 9.
