Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is all set to take over as NCP president on February 26. The decision to appoint her as president has been finalised, and it will be formally announced on the day of the NCP executive committee meeting.
After the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, there was a growing feeling in the party leadership that the late leader’s wife, Sunetra, should be appointed to the post of deputy chief minister that was held by Ajit Pawar. At that time, it was felt that while Sunetra should be made deputy chief minister, her son Parth could be sent to Rajya Sabha to the seat which she had vacated. There were also thoughts that Parth could be made party president, but his inexperience was cited as a main hurdle.
Around that time rose the speculation that Praful Patel, who is working president of the party, could be made national president, but Praful Patel said he is not interested in becoming president of the party, and the speculations were totally baseless.
A group of party legislators, including senior ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, and Narhari Zirwal, felt that Sunetra should hold both positions—that of national president and deputy chief minister—as, according to them, only her leadership would be able to bind the party together in the absence of Ajit Pawar.
Initially hesitant to hold both posts, Sunetra Pawar has now been convinced that she should also become national president of the party. A decision to this effect was taken in the presence of Praful Patel, Sunil Tatakre, and other senior leaders. It was also decided that she will formally take charge on February 26 when the party executive meets.
Once she becomes president, she will be asked to make a decision regarding the merging of both factions of the NCP. Most of the legislators of the party are of the opinion that the merger should take place while ‘Pawar saheb’ is active in politics.
A source in Ajit Pawar-led NCP told this reporter that Parth could get a fresh term of the entire six years in RS as he can be fielded as party candidate in the upcoming RS elections, and the remaining term of Sunetra Pawar could be given to another senior leader.
“The merger discussion will be on hold for a few months till Sunetra Vahini has completely assessed the ground situation and formed her firm opinion in the matter. The final decision will be hers,” said the source.