NCP seniors push for Sunetra Pawar as Deputy CM while Baramati calls for her sons to contest the bypoll

Politics is a lot like a game of chess. You always have to be thinking several moves ahead. But what happens when a key piece is suddenly taken off the board? The entire game changes in an instant. That’s the exact situation the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) seems to be navigating right now, with a flurry of moves and suggestions coming from all corners.

Following a major political vacuum, the party is at a crossroads. Two very different ideas are being floated to secure the party's future. On one side, senior leaders are looking at Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, to take on a major role at the state level. On the other side, the party's heartland, Baramati, is calling for the next generation one of her sons to step into the political arena.

Let's break down this fascinating political drama unfolding in Maharashtra.

A Sudden Void and the Race for Stability

When a powerful leader's position becomes vacant, the first priority for any political party is to prevent chaos. The goal is simple, stabilize the ship and show a united front. According to reports, this is exactly what’s on the minds of the NCP’s top brass.

A senior party member was quoted saying, "The immediate priority is to stabilize." This single line tells you everything you need to know about the urgency of the situation. Senior leaders aren’t just thinking about winning the next election. they are focused on holding the party together right now. This has led them to propose a plan that they believe will bring experience and a sense of continuity to the forefront.

The Seniors' Masterplan: Sunetra Pawar for Deputy CM?

In a significant move, top NCP leaders like Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal reportedly met with Sunetra Pawar at her residence. Their proposal is bold and clear, they want her to join the state cabinet and potentially take over the powerful position of Deputy Chief Minister.

Why Sunetra Pawar? The logic is straightforward. She is not an outsider. As Ajit Pawar's wife, she has been a part of the inner circle for years and understands the nuances of the party. Her appointment would be seen as a move to keep the leadership within the family, ensuring that the power center remains intact. It’s a strategy aimed at reassuring party members and allies that the NCP is in steady hands.

This idea isn't just a quiet whisper in the corridors of power. It has found public support as well. Cabinet minister and Ajit Pawar confidant, Narhari Zirwal, openly backed the move. "All supporters want to see Sunetra vahini (sister-in-law) in the state cabinet. I support this view," he said, adding that he would discuss it with other party members. This public endorsement gives the "Sunetra for Deputy CM" campaign serious momentum.

The Voice from the Ground: Baramati Wants the Next Generation

While the senior leaders in Mumbai are focused on the state cabinet, the mood in the Pawar family's political fortress, Baramati, is quite different. At the grassroots level, party workers and local leaders have another idea. They are calling for one of Ajit Pawar’s sons, Parth or Jay, to contest the by-election for the Baramati seat.

For them, this isn't just about filling a seat. it's about legacy. It’s about passing the torch to the next generation and ensuring the Pawar family's grip on their home turf remains unshakable. The call from the ground is emotional and rooted in a long-term vision for the family's political future.

There’s more to life than simply increasing its speed.

By Udaipur Freelancer

This isn’t a new idea, either. Ajit Pawar himself had been grooming his sons for larger political roles. His elder son, Parth, contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Maval. Although he didn’t win, it was a clear signal of his political ambitions. Meanwhile, his younger son, Jay, was being prepared for a "bigger role," with many observers noting his growing involvement in local politics. The groundwork was already being laid for their entry, and the current situation has only accelerated those calls.

State Power vs. Local Legacy: A Tale of Two Strategies

What we are seeing here are two completely different, yet equally important, strategies for the party's future.

1. The Top-Down Approach: The senior leaders are looking at the big picture the stability of the state government and the party's command structure. For them, Sunetra Pawar is the logical choice to maintain control and project strength.
2. The Bottom-Up Approach: The party workers in Baramati are focused on their roots. For them, securing the family bastion with a new Pawar face is crucial for morale and for the future of the dynasty.

The big question is, can the NCP do both? Or will choosing one path weaken the other? It's a classic political dilemma that pits immediate, high-level stability against long-term, grassroots legacy.

The Unshakeable Pawar Factor

At the end of the day, this entire discussion revolves around one central truth, "NCP's identity is inseparable from the Pawar family." For decades, the party's functioning has revolved around Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, and Supriya Sule.

Any decision made will have to consider the complex family dynamics and the delicate balance of power. The ultimate path forward will likely need the blessing of the entire family. This isn't just a party decision. it's a family decision that will shape the future of Maharashtra politics.

As the NCP navigates these turbulent waters, all eyes are on the Pawar family. Will they rally behind Sunetra Pawar for a key role in the government, or will they anoint one of the sons as the heir to the Baramati legacy? Or perhaps, in a masterful political stroke, they will find a way to do both.

One thing is for sure the next few weeks will be absolutely critical for the NCP. The choices they make now will determine the party's direction for years to come.