Why NCP Chose Sunetra Pawar: Inside the 72-Hour Power Struggle

In a rapid political succession aimed at consolidating a fracturing party, Sunetra Pawar was unanimously elected as the Leader of the NCP Legislature Party today, January 31, 2026. She is set to be sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister at 5:00 PM IST at Raj Bhavan.

The elevation comes just three days after the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash. Senior NCP leaders, including Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, moved swiftly to install Sunetra, bypassing internal contenders to capitalize on the "sympathy wave" and, more crucially, to prevent the disintegration of the 40-MLA strong faction ahead of the crucial Budget Session.

The Context (The "Merger" Bombshell)

The Leadership Void: Following Ajit Pawar's death on Jan 28, the ruling Mahayuti alliance faced an existential crisis. Without a unifying figure, the risk of NCP MLAs defecting back to the patriarch, Sharad Pawar, was high.

The "Feb 12" Theory: The urgency of today’s decision was underscored by a political bombshell dropped by NCP-SP leader Jayant Patil this morning. Patil claimed that Ajit Pawar had already finalized a merger with Sharad Pawar’s faction, allegedly scheduled for February 12.

The Counter-Move: By elevating Sunetra Pawar immediately—even before the 13-day mourning rituals are complete—the Ajit faction leadership has effectively executed a "hostile takeover" of the narrative, shutting the door on any immediate reunification plans.

The Key Players (Who & So What)

Sunetra Pawar (Incoming Deputy CM): The Stabilizer. Currently a Rajya Sabha MP and known for her social work in Baramati, she steps into the role not just as a widow carrying a legacy, but as the "consensus candidate" meant to hold the flock together. Her quote today, "The show must go on... We will fulfill Dada's vision," signals continuity.

Jayant Patil (NCP-SP Leader): The Disrupter. His claim that "Praful Patel and Tatkare knew... the merger was decided" has injected doubt into the Mahayuti alliance, forcing the BJP to double down on their support for Sunetra to disprove the "Ghar Wapsi" narrative.

Chhagan Bhujbal (Senior Minister): The Kingmaker. Despite harboring his own leadership ambitions, Bhujbal seconded Sunetra’s nomination. Analysts view this as a survival tactic—supporting the family ensures the faction remains in power with the BJP, securing his own cabinet berth.

The BIGSTORY Reframe (The "Defensive" Succession)

While mainstream media frames this as a classic "Dynastic Succession," the deeper reality is that this was a Defensive Maneuver.

Blocking the Exit: Sunetra's appointment is a firewall. Had the leadership delayed the decision, the emotional gravity would have shifted toward Sharad Pawar, the family patriarch. By acting within 72 hours, the Ajit faction loyalists (who fear political irrelevance without power) have locked the MLAs into the current coalition.

The Gender Card: Strategically, the BJP gains a massive narrative tool. Facing anti-incumbency, they can now campaign on having installed Maharashtra's First Woman Deputy CM, appealing directly to the state's female electorate ("Ladki Bahin" vote bank) to counter the opposition.

The Implications (Why This Matters)

The Finance Portfolio: The biggest question in Mumbai's Nariman Point is whether Sunetra will inherit Ajit Pawar’s coveted Finance Portfolio. CM Devendra Fadnavis might retain it to ensure fiscal control, given Sunetra's relative lack of administrative experience compared to her late husband.

Constitutional Check: As a Rajya Sabha MP, Sunetra Pawar must be elected to the State Legislative Council (MLC) or Assembly within 6 months to retain her post.

Market Volatility: Watch Sugar Cooperative stocks (like Praj Industries and Baramati Agro) on Monday. The market viewed Ajit Pawar as the "Godfather" of the sugar belt; Sunetra’s grip on the complex cooperative politics remains untested.

The Closing Question (Now, Think About This)

The party has chosen a leader to save the government, but have they chosen a leader who can save the party once the sympathy wave fades?

FAQs: Decoding the Succession

1. Who is the new Deputy CM of Maharashtra? Sunetra Pawar, the wife of the late Ajit Pawar and a Rajya Sabha MP, has been elected as the new Deputy Chief Minister. She will be the first woman to hold this post in Maharashtra's history.

2. Is Sunetra Pawar an MLA? No. She is currently a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). To continue as Deputy CM, she must be elected to either the Vidhan Sabha (Assembly) or Vidhan Parishad (Council) within six months.

3. Did Ajit Pawar plan to merge with Sharad Pawar? This is a contested claim. Jayant Patil (Sharad Pawar faction) alleged today that a merger was finalized for February 12. However, the Ajit Pawar faction has denied this, calling it an attempt to create confusion during a time of grief.

4. Why was Sunetra chosen over senior leaders like Bhujbal? Sunetra was chosen as the "consensus candidate" to prevent infighting. Senior leaders like Bhujbal or Tatkare hold their own rivalries; selecting a family member of Ajit Pawar utilizes the "sympathy factor" and prevents the party from splitting into smaller camps.

5. When is the swearing-in ceremony? The swearing-in is scheduled for today, January 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.

Sources

News Coverage

PTI: Sunetra Pawar elected NCP Legislature Party leader; to take oath as Dy CM

The Hindu: Jayant Patil claims Ajit Pawar-Sharad Pawar merger was fixed for Feb 12

Zee News: From Baramati to Mantralaya: The rise of Sunetra Pawar