Maharashtra Politics in flux after Ajit Pawar’s Death; NCP MLAs hold talks, no call on Sunetra yet

Maharashtra politics entered a phase of uncertainty after deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati. Since then, speculation has grown over leadership of his Nationalist Congress Party faction. However, party leaders on Friday said they have not taken any decision yet.

NCP leader Praful Patel addressed the media after a meeting with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said the party will soon convene a meeting of its MLAs. He also clarified that the leadership has not cleared any role for Sunetra Pawar so far. Patel said the party will respect public sentiment and internal consensus before naming a successor.

Meanwhile, Patel confirmed that senior NCP leaders met Fadnavis to brief him on the situation. He said the party will take a collective call. He stressed that no individual decision will guide the process. According to him, the party wants stability and clarity at the earliest.

Earlier this week, Ajit Pawar’s sudden death shocked the state. The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday when a Learjet 45 went down in Baramati. Pawar was among five people on board. The tragedy not only created an emotional vacuum but also raised political questions about succession.

In the background, Ajit Pawar led a powerful NCP faction within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. His group holds 41 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly. The faction commands strong influence in western and northern Maharashtra. As a result, his absence leaves a major gap in both government and party leadership.

Soon after his death, some NCP leaders publicly backed Sunetra Pawar. She serves as a Rajya Sabha member and remains active in party affairs. A section of leaders even suggested her entry into the state cabinet. These remarks added fuel to speculation.

Senior NCP leader and minister Narhari Zirwal acknowledged these voices. He said many workers and leaders want “vahini” to take a larger role. He added that the party will place this demand before the leadership. He also said the party will announce a decision soon.

However, other leaders urged caution. They said the party needs time to consult MLAs and senior members. They also highlighted the need to maintain balance within the alliance. For now, the suspense continues.

At the same time, the state mourns Ajit Pawar’s loss. The crash left the aircraft badly damaged. Locals said the impact was severe. According to eyewitness accounts, the remains did not allow easy identification. Residents said officials identified Pawar through his wristwatch and clothes.

Meanwhile, authorities have started a formal probe. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has taken charge of the investigation. Officials have secured the black box. Investigators will now examine flight data, cockpit recordings, and technical details to determine the cause.

As events unfold, political observers expect swift movement within the NCP. The party faces pressure to name a new leader and clarify its stand on the deputy chief minister’s post. Until then, Maharashtra watches closely as the power equations adjust after Ajit Pawar’s death.