The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has announced a crucial meeting of its legislature party scheduled for January 31, with the primary agenda being the appointment of Sunetra Pawar as its new leader. This development comes in the wake of the tragic demise of her husband, Ajit Pawar, who served as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra until his untimely death in a plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday.
Formal Decision Pending on Deputy Chief Minister Role
Senior party leader and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed the details during a press briefing at the NCP office on Friday. Bhujbal revealed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed no objection to Sunetra Pawar taking oath as deputy chief minister as early as Saturday, provided the legislature party formally endorses her leadership.
"The legislature party meeting of the NCP will be convened on Saturday, where Sunetra Pawar will be named as its leader. Many leaders want her to become the deputy CM," Bhujbal stated, emphasizing the party's immediate priority to fill the vacant positions.
Procedural Considerations and Mourning Period
Bhujbal highlighted that senior NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare are currently examining procedural aspects, including the appropriate mourning period following Ajit Pawar's death. "(Senior NCP leaders) Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare are looking into the technicalities of the mourning period and other finer details...Sometimes, there is a three-day mourning period and sometimes ten days," he explained, noting that customs vary and the final decision will be made at the legislature party meeting.
Earlier discussions with Chief Minister Fadnavis focused on logistical arrangements. Bhujbal recounted, "We met the Chief Minister... We also met him last night. We asked whether everything, including the swearing-in ceremony and other formalities, could be done tomorrow. The chief minister said he had no objection." He added that while mourning traditions are being considered, a definitive resolution is expected within the next few hours.
Sunetra Pawar's Political Background and Vacant Seat
Sunetra Pawar, currently serving as a Rajya Sabha MP, is not a member of either House of the Maharashtra legislature. Her potential appointment raises questions about representation, as the Baramati assembly seat in Pune district has become vacant following Ajit Pawar's death. NCP leaders have also met with the chief minister to stake claim to the portfolios previously held by Ajit Pawar, underscoring the party's efforts to maintain continuity in governance.
This move by the NCP reflects a strategic attempt to consolidate leadership within the party and ensure stability in Maharashtra's political landscape during a period of transition. The decision to nominate Sunetra Pawar is seen as a tribute to her late husband's legacy while addressing the urgent need to fill key administrative roles.
