In a surprising turn of events shaking Maharashtra’s political landscape, Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar is gearing up to step into the role of Deputy Chief Minister, succeeding her late husband, NCP chief Ajit Pawar. Sources reveal that Sunetra departed for Mumbai on Friday evening, poised for a pivotal meeting that could cement her position in the BJP-led Mahayuti government. This move comes just days after Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in an air crash, sparking intense speculation about the future of the Nationalist Congress Party.

The sudden vacancy in the deputy CM post has fueled talks of a potential merger between the two fractured NCP factions. Ajit Pawar’s untimely demise on Wednesday has left a void in the party’s leadership, prompting rapid developments. Sunetra, who entered electoral politics in 2024, is not currently a member of the Maharashtra legislature but is expected to be elected as the leader of the NCP’s legislative wing during a Saturday meeting in Mumbai. Her ascension would mark a significant shift, blending personal legacy with political strategy in the state’s turbulent arena.

However, this decision appears to have caught many off guard. Leaders from the NCP (Sharad Pawar) faction, along with Sharad Pawar’s family members, were reportedly not consulted or informed about Sunetra’s plans. A source close to the matter stated that the NCP (SP) leadership remained completely unaware, highlighting potential rifts even as merger discussions gain momentum. This lack of communication underscores the complex dynamics within the Pawar family and the party at large.

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Following her election as legislative leader, Sunetra is slated to take the oath as Deputy Chief Minister, a position that would make her the first woman to hold this office in Maharashtra’s history. While she brings fresh perspectives from her Rajya Sabha experience, questions linger about how this will affect the Mahayuti alliance’s stability and the ongoing power equations.

This development not only honors Ajit Pawar’s legacy but also signals a new era for women in Indian politics, potentially inspiring greater female representation in high-stakes roles. As Maharashtra watches closely, Sunetra’s journey from political newcomer to deputy CM could redefine the NCP’s trajectory amid evolving alliances.

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