Sunetra Pawar, Rajya Sabha MP and widow of Ajit Pawar, emerges as a key contender for Maharashtra Deputy CM amid party discussions on succession and political strategy.
Her leadership extends into education as a trustee of Vidya Pratishthan, an institution serving tens of thousands of students. (Photo: Social Media)
A leadership battle has unfolded within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) following the tragic death of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, leaving a major political vacuum in the state.
Senior party leaders are now discussing whether Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s wife and a Rajya Sabha member, could step into the role of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and contest the Assembly seat her husband vacated.
The debate highlights shifting power dynamics within the NCP and could shape Maharashtra’s political future.
Sunetra Ajit Pawar (born 18 October 1963) is an Indian politician and member of one of Maharashtra’s most influential political families. She currently serves as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha representing Maharashtra for the NCP.
Sunetra comes from a political background herself, as her father, Padamsinh Patil, was a state minister and Lok Sabha MP. Before formally entering electoral politics, she built her public profile through social work, environmental advocacy, and administrative roles.
She founded the Environmental Forum of India (EFOI), promoting organic farming and sustainable rural development, and also serves as chairperson of the Baramati Textile Company.
Her leadership extends into education as a trustee of Vidya Pratishthan, an institution serving tens of thousands of students.
Ajit Pawar’s sudden death in a plane crash has triggered intense discussions within the NCP about the next phase of party leadership and government roles. Senior leaders, including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde, and Sunil Tatkare, have reportedly met Sunetra Pawar to consult on the way forward. Reports suggest the party may propose her name as the next Deputy Chief Minister and have her contest her late husband’s seat in the state Assembly.
There are also talks about NCP leaders meeting with Devendra Fadnavis of the ruling alliance to discuss this proposal and how the party should proceed politically. While internal discussions continue, tension between experience, loyalty, and strategic leadership remains at the forefront.
Sunetra entered active politics relatively late compared with many politicians in her family. In 2024, she contested the Baramati Lok Sabha seat, a constituency historically dominated by the Pawar family, but was defeated by her sister-in-law Supriya Sule of the rival NCP (SP) faction. Despite the loss, her campaign marked her arrival as a visible political figure.
Shortly after, she was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha, succeeding Praful Patel, reinforcing her position in national and state politics. As a Rajya Sabha MP, she has taken part in policy discussions and represented Maharashtra’s interests at the federal level.
Inside the NCP, senior leaders see Sunetra as a symbolic and strategic choice to succeed her husband in both the party and government. Sources suggest she could contest the Assembly seat left vacant by Ajit Pawar and be inducted into the state Cabinet as Deputy Chief Minister, maintaining political continuity and honoring Ajit Pawar’s legacy.
NCP leaders are also discussing whether Praful Patel, the party’s working president, could play a leading role in steering the party during this transition. Talks about a possible merger or deeper cooperation with the NCP (SP) faction could surface later as political calculations evolve.
The Pawar family has long shaped Maharashtra politics, with Sunetra now at the centre of a delicate balance between political legacy and organizational leadership. Ajit Pawar’s death has left the party and its supporters seeking continuity, and many believe a family member — especially one with existing political credentials — could stabilise the situation.
Sunetra’s involvement in educational institutions, environmental causes, and regional industry gives her a profile beyond mere political lineage, which could appeal to voters and allies alike.
Sunetra Pawar’s potential rise as Deputy CM is not just about succession; it reflects broader calculations within the NCP and the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. How the BJP and Shiv Sena leadership respond to the proposal will be crucial. If her candidature wins approval from alliance partners, it could set the tone for political stability in the state and influence future elections.
As the party navigates grief and strategy, observers will watch closely how Sunetra Pawar balances expectations, legacy, and political reality in her bid to step into one of Maharashtra’s top political offices.
