Sunetra Pawar Likely to Lead NCP After Husband’s Death
– Sunetra Pawar is widely expected to be elected as the national president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), following the recent death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, according to reports from India Today.
Currently, Praful Patel serves as the working president of the NCP, while Sunil Tatkare leads the Maharashtra unit of the party.
The NCP has held numerous meetings to discuss future leadership in the wake of Ajit Pawar’s passing. Approximately 30 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and party workers across Maharashtra have submitted letters to senior leadership expressing their support for Sunetra Pawar to assume the party’s leadership, reportedly.
There is a growing demand for her to lead the party and carry forward Ajit Pawar’s political legacy, sources indicate. Party leadership is reportedly finalizing her name for the position of national president, taking into account the widespread consensus within the party.
Praful Patel has stated he is not in the race for the NCP president post, according to Mid-day. He expressed regret over individuals outside the party commenting on decisions being made following the tragic events.
“It is our right to elect Sunetra Pawar as the leader of the legislative party. We will take decisions according to the sentiments of our workers,” Patel reportedly said, as reported by the Press Trust of India.
He had previously stated, while speaking at the party office to express condolences for Ajit Pawar, that the party would shape its future under Sunetra Pawar’s leadership.
The party is expected to convene an official meeting of its executive committee to propose a resolution nominating Sunetra Pawar. Once the resolution is approved, she will be formally elected as the NCP’s national president.
Speculation regarding a power vacuum within the party following Ajit Pawar’s death had been widespread. Just three days after his death in a plane crash, Sunetra Pawar was chosen as the leader of the NCP legislative party.
She subsequently took the oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Amidst this transition, Goyal stated that there is no expectation of a merger between the NCP factions following Ajit Pawar’s death, as reported by The Economic Times.
The Indian Express reported that 30 NCP units have demanded Sunetra Pawar as national president to “fill the void” left by Ajit Pawar, stating she has “proven her commitment.”
Tatkare has affirmed that the NCP will continue to be part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), despite speculation about a potential shift in alliances following Ajit Pawar’s death, according to MSN.
The Pawar family faces a “merger dilemma” after the tragic death of Ajit Pawar, according to Times Now, with questions surrounding the future direction of the party.
Patel also rejected reports of being named NCP chief after Ajit Pawar’s death, according to India Today.