Sunetra Pawar Will Soon Lead Nationalist Congress Party

Sunetra Pawar is expected to take over as the national president of the Nationalist Congress Party soon. The party is focusing on getting stronger internally. This change comes after the passing of Ajit Pawar.
By Newsroom | Politics, India |

Recent developments suggest a significant shift in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leadership. Senior party leader Praful Patel has announced that Sunetra Pawar, currently serving as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, is expected to assume the role of NCP's national president within the next two weeks. This move follows the untimely passing of Ajit Pawar, who held both the deputy chief minister position and the party's national presidency. The party emphasizes organizational consolidation as its immediate priority, while refraining from direct comments on potential mergers with other political factions.

Sunetra Pawar to take over as NCP chief soon, says Praful Patel; refuses to talk on merger buzz - 1

Timeline of Events and Key Figures

The transition began in earnest following the sudden death of Ajit Pawar.

Sunetra Pawar to take over as NCP chief soon, says Praful Patel; refuses to talk on merger buzz - 2

  • Late January 2026: Speculation intensified regarding Sunetra Pawar potentially succeeding Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister and party leader. Meetings of NCP MLAs and MLCs were convened to discuss the party's future course. Senior leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal indicated willingness for Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in as Deputy Chief Minister.

  • Early February 2026: Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Shortly after, sources indicated her imminent rise to the National President position of the NCP.

  • Mid-February 2026: Praful Patel publicly stated that Sunetra Pawar is the sole candidate for NCP's national president and is slated to take over within a fortnight. He also mentioned meetings between Sunetra Pawar, Praful Patel, and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Evidence of Leadership Transition

Multiple sources indicate a concerted effort within the NCP to install Sunetra Pawar in the party's top leadership role.

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Sunetra Pawar to take over as NCP chief soon, says Praful Patel; refuses to talk on merger buzz - 3

  • Praful Patel's Statements: Senior NCP leader Praful Patel has repeatedly affirmed that Sunetra Pawar is set to become the national president of the NCP. He stated, "Sunetra Pawar is the sole candidate for the post and will formally take over as party chief after the completion of internal procedures." Patel further elaborated that the party's immediate focus is on consolidating its organization and rallying behind Sunetra Pawar.

  • Meetings with National Leaders: Sunetra Pawar, along with Praful Patel and Maharashtra NCP President Sunil Tatkare, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. While the official narrative suggests these meetings were to discuss organizational stability and acknowledge Sunetra Pawar's new role as Deputy Chief Minister, they have fueled political speculation.

  • Party Procedures: The NCP is reportedly working on completing the necessary internal procedures for the election of a new national president. Sources indicate that a national executive committee meeting is being considered where Sunetra Pawar is likely to be formally elected.

Discussions surrounding a potential merger between the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) have been ongoing, though party leaders are downplaying these talks in favor of internal consolidation.

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Sunetra Pawar to take over as NCP chief soon, says Praful Patel; refuses to talk on merger buzz - 4

  • Official Stance: When questioned about merger buzz, Praful Patel has consistently stated that the party's focus remains on "organizational consolidation rather than political realignments." He has declined to comment directly on these speculations.

  • Conflicting Signals: While the Ajit Pawar faction emphasizes internal party matters, leaders from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) have publicly indicated that merger discussions were underway prior to Ajit Pawar's death. Supriya Sule, an MP from NCP (SP), mentioned that discussions were progressing but paused after Ajit Pawar's demise, suggesting the matter is not entirely closed.

  • Sunetra Pawar's Meetings: Reports suggest that Sunetra Pawar has also discussed "difficulties in NCP merger" during her meetings with Amit Shah, indicating that the topic has been raised at the highest levels.

Potential Impact of a United NCP

A merger, if it were to materialize, could have significant implications for the political landscape, particularly in Maharashtra and at the national level.

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  • Central Government Gains: Highly placed sources suggest that a united NCP, following a merger, could potentially receive two cabinet ministries at the Center, presenting a dual benefit for the BJP.

  • State Cabinet Adjustments: There are also reports that Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has discussed the "possible merger of the two NCP factions and adjustments in the state cabinet" with senior BJP leaders, indicating potential shifts in state governance as well.

Expert Commentary

Political analysts view the current developments as a strategic move to stabilize the NCP following a period of turmoil.

  • Dr. Suhas Palshikar, a political analyst, noted that the NCP is "working on consolidating its own base, especially after the split and the untimely death of Ajit Pawar." He added, "The appointment of Sunetra Pawar is seen as an attempt to bring a sense of continuity and consolidate the support base that Ajit Pawar commanded."

  • Regarding merger talks, Palshikar observed that "while formal merger discussions might be on hold due to the circumstances, the underlying desire for unity, especially among certain factions, persists. However, the immediate priority for the Ajit Pawar faction appears to be securing their leadership structure."

Conclusion and Next Steps

The forthcoming weeks are pivotal for the Nationalist Congress Party as it prepares to formalize Sunetra Pawar's leadership. The party's stated focus on organizational strengthening aims to provide a stable platform for its future endeavors.

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  • Formal Appointment: The completion of internal party procedures is expected to lead to Sunetra Pawar's official induction as the NCP's national president within the next fortnight.

  • Merger Dynamics: The stance on potential mergers remains fluid, with the NCP leadership publicly prioritizing internal cohesion. However, the underlying discussions and the involvement of national leaders suggest that merger possibilities are not entirely off the table and will likely be a subject of ongoing political maneuvering.

  • Future Direction: The party's ability to navigate these transitions, manage internal factions, and potentially engage in political realignments will shape its future trajectory and influence.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who will lead the Nationalist Congress Party?
Sunetra Pawar is expected to become the new national president of the party.
Q: When will this happen?
She is expected to take over in the next two weeks.
Q: Why is this change happening?
This change follows the death of Ajit Pawar, who was the previous leader.
Q: Is the party planning to join with other groups?
The party says it wants to focus on getting stronger inside first.