The unexpected demise of NCP chief Ajit Pawar has not only left a vacuum in his party but also altered the political equations within the ruling Mahayuti. With the death of Ajit Pawar, who was one of the
major pillars that propped up the NCP and the Fadnavis government, a leadership void has emerged within the party due to the absence of a second-tier leadership.
Speculations are that the current crisis might put the BJP in a fix, as the presence of the NCP had enabled it to sideline Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena to a great extent. Pawar’s sudden demise also means that Shinde once again gains strength within the coalition.
According to local media reports, the BJP could now be forced to restructure its Maharashtra plan. Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party has 37 MLAs in the assembly. BJP strategists believe there is a possibility of a split among these MLAs in the future, and some of them could return to Sharad Pawar's NCP. Anticipating this, the BJP may consider giving an important role in the state government to someone from Ajit Pawar's family. BJP strategists want to bring Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, to the assembly.
This will not only send an emotional message to Ajit Pawar's supporters but will also ensure that the grand alliance remain intact. Moreover, the entry of a woman minister into the cabinet will be important for optics. But the BJP will still have to consult with the Shinde Sena before taking crucial decisions.
For Sunetra, this will be a major responsibility as she will have to deal with not only her husband’s death but also the important responsibility of carrying forward the party's legacy. Sunetra Pawar is currently a Rajya Sabha MP.
Praful Patel to get a chance at the Centre?
Local media reports quoted a senior leader who said NCP leader Praful Patel could be included in the central government, while a member of the Ajit Pawar family could be included in the state government. This is because the BJP do not want the Pawar family reuniting, thereby keeping Sharad Pawar at bay.
