Sunetra Pawar Likely to Lead NCP Legislature Party Amid Succession and Merger Buzz

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : Amid growing speculation over leadership succession following Ajit Pawar’s demise and renewed talk of a possible merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the party is expected to convene a crucial legislative party meeting soon to elect its new leader. Political circles in Maharashtra are closely watching developments, as the decision could shape both the future of the NCP and the stability of the ruling alliance in the state.

Sources close to the Pawar family have indicated that Sunetra Pawar, wife of late leader Ajit Pawar, is likely to be chosen as the leader of the NCP legislative party. Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed that a meeting of all NCP MLAs has been called to elect the legislative party leader and said that the overwhelming sentiment within the party favours Sunetra Pawar.

“A meeting of all NCP MLAs has been called tomorrow to elect the legislative party leader. Almost everyone wants Sunetra ji to be elected as the leader. If this decision is taken, preparations for the swearing-in ceremony may begin immediately,” Bhujbal said, underlining the urgency attached to the leadership transition.

Adding further momentum to the speculation, NCP leader Sunil Tatkare suggested that Sunetra Pawar’s name could even be considered for the post of Deputy Chief Minister. “There is a strong possibility that Sunetra Pawar’s name may be confirmed for the post of Deputy CM as well. A final decision will be taken after discussions with her today or tomorrow,” Tatkare said.

Earlier on Friday, senior NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare and Dhananjay Munde met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha bungalow. Following the meeting, Bhujbal said it had been tentatively decided to convene the CLP meeting. However, due to a period of mourning, no official communication has yet been issued.

“Our priority right now is to appoint the CLP leader. Appointing the CLP leader, which is effectively equivalent to appointing the Deputy Chief Minister, is extremely important for us. A decision is expected within the next one or two hours,” Bhujbal said. When asked about the possibility of a merger between the two NCP factions, he said he had no concrete information on the issue.

Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP is currently part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, alongside the BJP led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. On the other hand, the rival NCP faction headed by Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule continues to sit in the opposition, along with the Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena.

Sources within the Ajit Pawar faction said that a majority of party leaders are in favour of Sunetra Pawar taking over the leadership and possibly assuming the Deputy Chief Minister’s post. They cited her close family connection to Ajit Pawar, her growing involvement in party affairs, and her acceptability among MLAs as key reasons behind the support. Some leaders also pointed out that the NCP has traditionally been viewed as a Maratha-centric party, and that non-Maratha leaders may face resistance from the party cadre.

Sunetra Pawar, who is considered a prominent Maratha face, has reportedly been actively involved in the party’s organisational and political activities over the past few years. Party leaders believe this experience positions her well to lead the NCP in the legislature during a sensitive transition phase.

Sources further revealed that while discussions about merging the two NCP factions have been ongoing, the process was delayed following Ajit Pawar’s death. They added that Sunetra Pawar is seen as an acceptable and unifying figure across both factions, and there is a possibility that, under the guidance of Sharad Pawar, she could eventually play a key role in leading a reunited NCP in the future.