In the wake of Ajit Pawar's tragic passing, the National Congress Party (NCP) is navigating a delicate political landscape. The party's senior leaders are making a bold move, urging Ajit's wife, Sunetra Pawar, to step into the limelight and take on a leadership role. The idea is to have Sunetra, a Rajya Sabha MP, join the state cabinet and potentially become the deputy chief minister, filling the void left by her late husband's sudden death. This decision has sparked both support and curiosity within the party.
The NCP's top brass, including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal, met with Sunetra at her residence, expressing their condolences and urging her to join the Mahayuti government. Cabinet minister Narhari Zirwal, a close confidant of Ajit, publicly endorsed this move, stating that Sunetra's inclusion in the state cabinet is a desire shared by many party supporters. However, this proposal is not without controversy.
At the grassroots level, particularly in Ajit's stronghold of Baramati, there is a different sentiment. Party office bearers are pushing for either of Ajit's sons, Parth or Jay, to contest the by-elections. They believe that Sunetra's involvement in politics might not be as appealing to the local electorate, especially after her recent loss to Supriya Sule in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The concern is that Sunetra's entry into politics might not resonate with the people of Baramati, and the party could face a challenge from rival parties.
The NCP's identity is deeply intertwined with the Pawar family, and the untimely death of Ajit has left a power vacuum. Many party seniors and grassroots workers believe that Sunetra is the only one who can fill Ajit's shoes. However, some are cautious, waiting to see if Ajit's uncle, Sharad Pawar, and cousin, Supriya Sule, will reunite the rival NCP factions. A merger could significantly impact the political landscape of Maharashtra, making some NCP seniors hesitant to make hasty decisions.
Despite the uncertainty, the pressure on Sunetra to return to state politics is expected to persist. Ajit had previously planned to step aside in Baramati and prepare Jay for a larger role. Jay has already held meetings with local units during the 2024 polls, while elder son Parth contested and lost the 2019 Lok Sabha race from Maval. The question remains: will Sunetra accept the call to leadership, and how will it impact the NCP's future in Baramati and beyond? The party's decision-makers are walking a tightrope, balancing tradition and the need for fresh leadership, leaving the political arena buzzing with anticipation and debate.
