Succession question looms as party weighs Ajit Dada’s political future

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu) – Following the death of Ajit Pawar in the Baramati plane crash, discussions have begun regarding the future of the Nationalist Congress Party. Along with the party's future, discussions are also underway regarding who will replace Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister in the government. Several leaders have met with Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar.

In political circles, two names are being mentioned at the forefront regarding this possible succession - Ajit Pawar's wife and Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar and his eldest son Parth Pawar.

Will the next candidate come from the Pawar family?

Political experts believe that the Pawar family's influence in the Baramati seat is so strong that if a by-election situation arises, the party could field a member of the family. In such a situation, the chances of victory are considered strong. The only question is which candidate the family trusts. The last three years have seen major changes in the politics of the Pawar family and the Nationalist Congress Party. New equations emerged in Maharashtra politics in July 2023 after Ajit Pawar chose a different path within the party and brought a large number of MLAs with him.

Baramati Politics and Shifting Equations

While Sunetra Pawar faced defeat in the Baramati parliamentary constituency, Ajit Pawar proved his stronghold by winning for the eighth time in the assembly elections held just a few months later. Sharad Pawar fielded his nephew Yugendra Pawar against him in that election. Now, as discussions about future politics are underway, one segment of supporters wants Sunetra Pawar to enter assembly politics, while another segment wants Parth Pawar to represent the next generation.

Sunetra vs. Parth: Who's stronger?

Sunetra Pawar is currently a Rajya Sabha member with experience in national politics. Meanwhile, Parth Pawar has been away from active electoral politics since losing the 2019 election from the Maval Lok Sabha seat. However, supporters believe this opportunity could spark his political comeback and spark new ambitions. Sources suggest that due to the changing dynamics within the Pawar family, Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule may also lean toward Parth Pawar this time.

Speculation also surrounds the position of Deputy Chief Minister.

If the balance of power shifts in the future, a fresh discussion regarding leadership and responsibilities within the current government is expected. However, any concrete predictions on this matter are currently being denied.