NewKerala.com

NCP Meets Fadnavis to Decide on New Leader, Deputy CM After Ajit Pawar's Death

A high-level NCP delegation met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to address the leadership vacuum created by Ajit Pawar's death. The discussions centered on appointing a new legislative party leader and deputy chief minister. Party working president Praful Patel stated that no formal decision was made regarding appointing Sunetra Pawar to the deputy CM role. The final decision will be made after consulting party MLAs and considering their sentiments.

Key Points: NCP Delegation Meets CM Fadnavis on Leadership, Deputy CM Post

  • Leadership vacuum after Ajit Pawar's death
  • NCP seeks swift decision on cabinet posts
  • Sunetra Pawar's name not formally discussed
  • Decision to be based on legislators' sentiments
2 min read

NCP delegation meets CM Fadnavis; discusses new legislative party leader, Dy CM post

NCP leaders meet Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to discuss appointing a new legislative party leader and deputy chief minister following Ajit Pawar's death.

"We discussed with the chief minister the election of a new legislative party leader and deputy chief minister. - Praful Patel"

Mumbai, Jan 30

A high-level NCP delegation on Friday met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and discussed a wide range of issues, including the appointment of the legislative party leader and deputy chief minister in the wake of the untimely death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash.

The delegation included party working president Praful Patel, state unit chief Sunil Tatkare, Ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Hasan Mushrif and former Minister Dhananjay Munde. This development takes place after a significant leadership vacuum has emerged within both the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Mahayuti government.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Praful Patel said, "We discussed with the chief minister the election of a new legislative party leader and deputy chief minister. The meeting of the legislative party will be convened to elect a new leader."

He further stated, "We have informed CM Fadnavis that a decision regarding the cabinet portfolios and leadership must be made as soon as possible. We will finalise our stand after consulting with all our party MLAs," he stated.

Patel made it clear that the party hopes to take future course of action after taking into account the feelings of party legislators, office-bearers and cadres.

He said the party has not given any formal indication on appointing late Ajit Pawar's wife and MP Sunetra Pawar as the deputy chief minister. "We did not discuss Sunetra Pawar's name with the CM today. That remains an internal party matter. It is our belief, shared by the public and our legislators, that a proper decision must be made."

He further stated, "The family is still in mourning and performing last rites. We intend to speak with Sunetra Pawar either tonight or tomorrow, once the immediate rituals are concluded."

Patel reiterated that any decision regarding the Deputy CM post would be based on the sentiments of the party's legislators. He added, "The vacancy would be filled at the earliest, and a suitable decision would be reached soon."

Earlier, NCP Minister Narhari Zirwal, on Thursday, after the funeral of Ajit Pawar in Baramati, told reporters that Sunetra Pawar should be made the next Deputy Chief Minister. "It will ensure that the political legacy of the Pawar family continues."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
While I understand the sentiment of continuing the Pawar legacy, appointing Sunetra Pawar just because she is the wife feels like old-style dynasty politics. The party should choose the most capable leader from among its MLAs, regardless of family name. This is 2024.
V
Vikram M
Stability is key for Maharashtra right now. Hope they resolve this quickly without any internal friction. The last thing the state needs is another political crisis. Fadnavis ji needs to handle this with a firm hand.
A
Ananya R
Praful Patel is being very diplomatic. "Internal party matter" means the discussions are probably quite heated behind closed doors. Interesting that they met Fadnavis first. Shows who really holds the cards in the Mahayuti.
D
David E
Observing from outside, the process seems respectful. Giving the family space to mourn before discussing succession is the right thing to do. The focus on legislators' sentiments is also a good democratic practice within the party.
K
Karthik V
Bhujbal, Tatkare, Munde... all heavyweights in that delegation. This isn't just about a deputy CM post, it's about the future control of the NCP itself. The next few days will be crucial. Hope they put the party and state above personal ambitions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50