The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is coalescing around Sunetra Pawar, widow of the late Ajit Pawar, to take the helm of the party. This decision follows the tragic death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, which has created a leadership vacuum within the party and reshaped Maharashtra's political landscape.

Sunetra Pawar's ascent began swiftly after her husband's death. She was unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP legislature party. Subsequently, she was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This rapid transition underscores the party's effort to maintain stability and continue Ajit Pawar's political legacy.

Several meetings were convened within the NCP to deliberate on the party's future leadership. Party workers, office-bearers from across Maharashtra, and approximately 30 MLAs submitted letters expressing their support for Sunetra Pawar to assume leadership. There's a growing sentiment within the party that she should lead the NCP to honor and carry forward Ajit Pawar's contributions.

With the broad consensus within the party, the leadership has finalized Sunetra Pawar's name for the post of national president. An official meeting of the party's executive committee will be convened to table a resolution proposing her appointment. Once the resolution is approved, Sunetra Pawar will be formally elected as the National President of the NCP. Currently, senior party leader Praful Patel is serving as the working president, while Sunil Tatkare heads the Maharashtra unit.

Sunetra Pawar's entry into politics came relatively recently. She debuted in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls as the NCP candidate from Baramati, backed by the BJP-led NDA, but lost to her sister-in-law Supriya Sule. Following the loss, she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Now, as Deputy Chief Minister and likely future head of the NCP, she is poised to play a significant role in Maharashtra politics.

The decision to back Sunetra Pawar has not been without its complexities. Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar's uncle and a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, stated that he was not consulted about Sunetra Pawar's appointment as Deputy Chief Minister. This suggests a potential disconnect within the Pawar family and the NCP regarding the leadership transition.

Some political analysts suggest that the BJP leadership may have played a role in promoting Sunetra Pawar's appointment as Deputy Chief Minister. An editorial in Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana' claimed that the BJP leadership, along with NCP leaders Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel, may not favor the unification of the two NCP factions and that Sunetra Pawar was "installed" as Deputy CM with the support of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The NCP is part of the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, which also includes the BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. The alliance secured a significant victory in the recent assembly elections. Ajit Pawar's sudden death has created a void in the leadership and has the potential to turn the tripolar Mahayuti into a bipolar alliance.

Sunetra Pawar's rapid rise in Maharashtra politics marks a significant shift within the NCP. While questions remain about the long-term implications and the extent of consensus within the Pawar family, the party is clearly backing her to lead and maintain its position in the state's political landscape.