In the wake of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's recent death in an air crash, veteran leader Sharad Pawar has distanced himself from the impending swearing-in of Ajit's wife, Sunetra Pawar, as the new Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. While sources from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction indicate that Sunetra Pawar is set to be sworn in, potentially becoming the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister, Sharad Pawar claims to have no knowledge of the decision.

Addressing a press conference in Baramati on Saturday, Sharad Pawar stated that he learned about the swearing-in through media reports. "We don't know about the swearing-in. We got to know about it through the news. I have no idea about the swearing-in," he said, when questioned about potential Pawar family attendance at the ceremony. He suggested that the decision was likely made within the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP. "Her party must have decided... Some people like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare who have taken the initiative to make some decisions. I had no discussion on this. I have no information about this...I am not even aware if it is happening,” Sharad Pawar added.

Sharad Pawar's remarks highlight the continuing division between the two NCP factions, especially after Ajit Pawar's death. While senior leaders from the Ajit Pawar faction have moved swiftly to fill the vacancy, the Sharad Pawar camp has remained conspicuously detached.

Interestingly, Sharad Pawar mentioned that prior to his nephew's death, there had been discussions about a potential merger between the two NCP factions. He revealed that Ajit Pawar, along with Shashikant Shinde and Jayant Patil, had initiated these talks, with a merger date tentatively set for February 12. "Now we feel his wish should be fulfilled," Pawar stated, reflecting on his late nephew's desire for unification. However, he also stated the process has been put on hold following Ajit's death.

Sunetra Pawar, who entered the Rajya Sabha on June 18, 2024, after an unsuccessful bid in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is expected to be formally elected as the NCP legislature party leader at a meeting in Mumbai. The swearing-in ceremony is anticipated to be a low-key event.

The political landscape in Maharashtra has been significantly altered by Ajit Pawar's untimely demise, sparking debates about succession and leadership within the NCP. Sharad Pawar's lack of involvement in the decision to appoint Sunetra Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister underscores the existing rift and raises questions about the future of the NCP and its potential reunification.