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The path ahead for both NCP factions is fraught with electoral and organisational hurdles
By elevating Sunetra Pawar to the Deputy CM’s post, the Ajit Pawar-led faction has signalled its intent to maintain a distinct political identity and leadership structure rather than folding back into the parent organisation immediately. File pic/PTI
In a historic but politically fraught ceremony in Mumbai on Saturday, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The rapid transition, occurring just three days after the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, has not only reshaped the state cabinet but has also cast a long shadow over the future of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
The ‘Unaware’ Patriarch
While the swearing-in marks a moment of continuity for the Mahayuti government, it has also exposed an air of uncertainty within the Pawar family and the broader NCP ecosystem. Speaking from his residence in Baramati, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar earlier expressed surprise at the speed of the developments.
“I have had no discussion with Sunetra Pawar regarding this. I only learnt about the swearing-in ceremony through the morning news,” he told reporters. While he acknowledged the right of Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare to decide their faction’s course, his absence—and that of his immediate family—from the ceremony at Lok Bhavan spoke volumes. The veteran leader noted that while family members support each other emotionally in times of grief, political decisions remain a separate, often conflicting, arena.
The Interrupted Merger
Perhaps the most significant revelation from Sharad Pawar’s remarks was the status of the long-rumoured NCP merger. He confirmed that prior to the crash, positive talks between the two factions were in an advanced stage, led by the late Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil.
“The decision on the merger was supposed to be announced on February 12,” Sharad Pawar revealed. “Ajit had given this date himself. It was his wish that both NCPs should come together, and it was our wish as well.”
Observers say that with the primary architect of this reunification now gone, the merger appears to have been put on the back burner. By elevating Sunetra Pawar to the Deputy CM’s post, the Ajit Pawar-led faction has signalled its intent to maintain a distinct political identity and leadership structure rather than folding back into the parent organisation immediately.
What Next for NCP?
The path ahead for both factions is fraught with electoral and organisational hurdles. For Sunetra Pawar, the immediate challenge is to transition from a Rajya Sabha MP to a member of the State Legislature, likely through a by-election in the Baramati assembly seat left vacant by her husband.
For the party, the “what next” depends on three critical factors:
The Leadership Vacuum: While Sunetra provides a symbolic and dynastic anchor, the faction lacks the “24-hour” administrative machinery that Ajit Pawar commanded. The roles of Praful Patel (as National President) and Sunil Tatkare will be crucial in keeping the 40 MLAs together.
The Sympathy Factor: The upcoming by-election and local body polls will test whether the “Pawar” name, when carried by Sunetra, can withstand the political weight of Sharad Pawar’s influence.
Reunification Prospects: While the February 12 deadline is likely to be missed, the emotional pull for a united NCP remains strong among the cadre. However, Sunetra’s induction into the cabinet suggests a commitment to the Mahayuti alliance for the foreseeable future.
As the state completes its period of mourning, the NCP stands at a crossroads. Whether Sunetra Pawar’s elevation acts as a bridge to reconciliation or a permanent wall between the two factions will determine the survival of Ajit Pawar’s political legacy in the post-2026 era.
January 31, 2026, 17:33 IST
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