In a historic moment for Maharashtra's political scene, Sunetra Pawar, the wife of the late Ajit Pawar, has been unanimously elected as the National President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This significant decision was made at the party’s national executive meeting on Thursday, where senior NCP leader Praful Patel delivered an emotional speech and formally proposed Sunetra's name. The proposal was met with overwhelming support from all present leaders and delegates, solidifying her position as the new face of the NCP.

A Legacy Continued

Sunetra Pawar takes the reins of the NCP following the untimely death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, who tragically passed away in a plane crash. Ajit Pawar, who has served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on multiple occasions, has long been considered the political heir to his uncle, NCP founder Sharad Pawar. His sudden demise left a massive leadership vacuum in the party, and now, Sunetra Pawar steps forward to fill that gap. Her appointment is seen as a continuation of the Pawar family’s political legacy in Maharashtra, ensuring that the NCP remains a significant force in the state's politics.

Contesting Baramati: A Crucial Bye-Election

Along with assuming the role of NCP president, Sunetra Pawar is also preparing to contest the Baramati bye-election, a seat that her late husband long held. Baramati has been a stronghold for Ajit Pawar, who represented the constituency for eight terms, cementing his influence in the region. Sunetra Pawar’s candidacy is a strategic move for the NCP to preserve its dominance in Baramati and maintain its influence in the region, making the upcoming election pivotal for the party’s future.

Sunetra’s Growing Influence in Maharashtra Politics

Sunetra Pawar's political journey has already made history. On January 31, she became Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, a position she assumed after being unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP Legislative Party. Under her leadership, the NCP has already experienced significant successes, especially in the recent local elections. The party won key victories in the Pune Zilla Parishad, improved its standing in Kolhapur, and made notable progress in several panchayat samitis, marking Sunetra’s leadership as effective and promising.