In a high-stakes political huddle, NCP leaders convened with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday to chart the course following the untimely death of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in an aviation mishap. The agenda: appointing a new leader for the party’s legislative wing and nominating a successor for the crucial deputy chief minister role.
The delegation boasted heavyweights like Praful Patel, the party’s working president, alongside Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, Hasan Mushrif, and Dhananjay Munde. Their dialogue highlighted pressing needs for cabinet reshuffles and leadership transitions to steady the ship of state.
Emerging from the meeting, Patel addressed the media, outlining plans for a legislative party conclave to pick the new chief. He stressed informing Fadnavis about the imperative for rapid resolutions on portfolios and hierarchy. ‘Consultations with our MLAs will shape our path forward,’ Patel noted, committing to honor the emotions of party members at all levels.
Rumors linking Sunetra Pawar to the deputy CM slot were quashed. ‘No such proposal was tabled today; it’s purely internal. With the family in mourning and rituals ongoing, we’ll discuss with her soon,’ Patel clarified. He reiterated that the position would be filled expeditiously, guided by legislators’ consensus.
This development follows NCP’s Narhari Zirwal advocating for Sunetra at Pawar’s Baramati funeral rites, citing legacy preservation. As the NCP grapples with loss, its strategic choices could redefine Maharashtra’s power dynamics, testing the Mahayuti alliance’s resilience in turbulent times.