Is Sunetra Pawar Maharashtra’s Next Deputy CM After Ajit Pawar’s Death?

After Ajit Pawar’s death wife Sunetra Pawar steps into focus as NCP leaders push her name for leadership and government continuity

Mumbai: Maharashtra politics is witnessing a major shift after the sudden death of Deputy Chief Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar. His passing has left a deep emotional impact on the state and triggered urgent political discussions within the ruling alliance. As leaders work to manage the transition, Sunetra Pawar, his wife and a Rajya Sabha MP, has emerged as a central figure in talks about the party’s future and government stability.

Tragic End Shocks State

Ajit Pawar died on January 28, 2026, in a tragic plane crash near Baramati. His private Learjet went down while attempting to land, killing others, including his personal security officer, two pilots, and a flight attendant. The news spread quickly across the state, leaving citizens and political leaders in shock.

The Maharashtra government brought his body to Baramati, where thousands gathered to pay their final respects. On January 29, the state accorded him full honours during his funeral. Leaders across party lines described his death as an enormous loss to Maharashtra’s political life.

Sunetra Steps Forward

Following the funeral, senior NCP leaders met Sunetra Pawar at Baramati and urged her to take on a larger political role. She has been serving as a Rajya Sabha MP since June 25, 2025, after Ajit Pawar facilitated her entry into the Upper House. Since then, she has remained an active member of Parliament.

Leaders such as Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Narhari Zirwal have publicly expressed support for her, saying party workers across the state want her to continue Ajit Pawar’s legacy. Many leaders are now considering her for the post of Deputy Chief Minister to maintain continuity in the government.

Public Support Builds

According to Narhari Zirwal, there is strong public sentiment backing Sunetra Pawar’s leadership. He said her appointment would honour Ajit Pawar’s decades of service while helping the party remain united during a difficult period.

Party insiders say her calm personality and familiarity with grassroots issues have earned her respect among party workers and supporters across Maharashtra.

Baramati By-Election Talks

If Sunetra Pawar takes up a cabinet position, she will need to become a member of the Maharashtra legislature within the constitutional timeframe. As a result, party leaders are discussing the possibility of fielding her from Baramati, the seat Ajit Pawar represented continuously since 1991.

Baramati has long been the political stronghold of the Pawar family. Leaders believe contesting from this constituency would preserve the emotional connection between voters and the NCP.

Leadership Debate Grows

Beyond government roles, Sunetra Pawar’s name has also come up in discussions about the party’s future leadership. Some senior leaders believe she could take on a major organisational role within the NCP, while others have even suggested her name for the position of national president.

Although no formal decision has been made, internal meetings are expected soon as the party works to finalise its leadership structure.

Cabinet Reshuffle Looms

Ajit Pawar held key portfolios in the Maharashtra government, including finance, state excise, and sports. His sudden death has created a need to redistribute these responsibilities.

NCP leaders have met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and requested that the party retain control of the departments Ajit Pawar managed. For now, Fadnavis is expected to hold additional charge of the finance ministry until a formal reshuffle takes place.

Political observers say the reshuffle could happen soon as the government looks to restore administrative stability.

Merger Talks Revive

Ajit Pawar’s death has also reopened discussions about merging the two NCP factions led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar. Before his passing, Ajit Pawar had reportedly supported reunifying the party to strengthen its political standing in Maharashtra.

Leaders from both sides are now reviewing the idea as a way to present a united front ahead of upcoming elections. Insiders say talks had already begun for joint participation in local body polls.

However, some leaders believe leadership and government matters should be resolved first before finalising a merger.

Mixed Political Reactions

While many leaders support Sunetra Pawar’s elevation, others have questioned the timing of leadership discussions so soon after Ajit Pawar’s death. Leaders from Shiv Sena UBT have said political negotiations should wait until the mourning period ends.

Despite this, NCP leaders argue that quick decisions are necessary to avoid uncertainty and maintain stability in the government.

Also Read: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash, Nation in Shock

State Mourns Leader

Across Maharashtra, especially in Baramati and western regions, citizens have organised condolence meetings and prayer gatherings. Many people remember Ajit Pawar for his work in rural development, agriculture, cooperatives, and infrastructure.

National leaders from across political parties have also paid tribute to his long and influential political career.

Future Takes Shape

As Maharashtra moves through this emotional and political transition, attention remains firmly on Sunetra Pawar’s next steps. Whether she becomes Deputy Chief Minister, contests a by-election, or takes on a senior party role, her decisions will shape the NCP’s future.

At the same time, a possible reunion of the NCP factions could redefine political equations in the state. With elections approaching, how the party handles this moment will determine its strength in the months ahead.

For now, Maharashtra stands at a turning point, remembering a powerful leader while watching a new chapter quietly begin.