Following the sudden death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, senior party leader Praful Patel announced that Sunetra Pawar — currently Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra — is set to take over as the national president of the NCP. The formal transition is expected to complete within the next fortnight (about two weeks).
Patel emphasized that the immediate priority for the party is to consolidate its organisation and rally behind Sunetra Pawar’s leadership rather than discuss political mergers with other factions or parties at this stage.
Sunetra Pawar, who is the widow of the late Ajit Pawar, has already taken on significant roles within the party and government — including serving as Deputy Chief Minister. Local party leaders have indicated cooperation with both NCP factions in recent regional meetings as she assumes more responsibility.
Key points:
Sunetra Pawar is widely supported to become the party’s national president.
The focus of senior leaders remains on strengthening the party organisation.
There is ongoing discussion over potential collaboration or merger between NCP factions, but leaders have kept attention on internal unity for now.
