Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra to take charge of NCP? Party MLAs meet Fadnavis amid suspense| India News

Amid speculation and suspense in Maharashtra politics after deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash in Baramati, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel on Friday clarified that no decision has been taken on a potential role for Sunetra Pawar.

Patel said that some NCP leaders met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and informed him that a decision on the party’s new leader will be taken soon.

“No decision is taken on Sunetra Pawar. An MLAs’ meeting will be convened soon and a decision (on Ajit Pawar’s successor) will be taken by respecting the sentiments of the people,” Patel said as he addressed the media outside Fadnavis’s residence.

Ajit Pawar died in a fatal plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday. His demise sent shockwaves across Maharashtra, but also left people wondering who would take over the leader of his NCP faction, and who would be the new deputy chief minister.

His party is a key constituent of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra and has 41 MLAs in the state assembly. His faction is also known for its strong presence in western and northern Maharashtra.

Following Pawar’s death, several NCP leaders backed his wife Sunetra, who is also a Rajya Sabha member, to take charge of the party, with some even pushing for her induction into the Maharashtra cabinet.

“Many people told us that ‘vahini’ should be brought into the mainstream,” said senior NCP leader and sitting minister Narhari Zirwal, adding that the desire will be placed before the party leadership and a decision will soon be taken.

Ajit Pawar was among the five people who died in the Learjet 45 crash in Baramati on Wednesday. The crash was so intense that Pawar’s body couldn’t be identified by his remains, but by his personal belongings.

“We saw his wristwatch on his hand. This and his clothes helped identify him. His face was not recognisable,” said a local resident.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation into the plane crash and the black box inside the plane has been secured.