Hyderabad: Sunetra Pawar will be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday following the death of NCP leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, senior party leader Chhagan Bhujbal said on Friday.
Sunetra Pawar, currently a Rajya Sabha member, accepted the proposal after consultations with party leaders. She will be elected as the leader of the NCP legislative party by its MLAs before taking oath. The development marks a significant transition within the ruling coalition.
Ajit Pawar earlier held key portfolios including finance and planning as Deputy Chief Minister. He also handled excise, youth welfare, minority development, and sports departments. His sudden demise has created an immediate leadership vacuum ahead of the February Assembly budget session.
Sunetra Pawar to take charge as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister
According to sources, the BJP leadership has conveyed that Sunetra Pawar will not be assigned the finance department at this stage. Instead, she is expected to handle excise and sports portfolios. The finance department will remain with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the time being.
Sources further indicated that after the budget session, the finance portfolio may be reassigned to the NCP. Discussions on this arrangement are ongoing within the ruling alliance. The budget is scheduled to be presented during the February Assembly session.
The Baramati Assembly seat fell vacant following Ajit Pawar’s death. Party sources said Sunetra Pawar is likely to contest the upcoming by election from the constituency. Preparations for the by poll are expected to begin soon.
Meanwhile, political circles are closely watching developments within the Nationalist Congress Party. Sources suggested that talks are underway regarding a possible merger of the NCP led by Sharad Pawar and the NCP faction led by the late Ajit Pawar. Indications point to a decision within the next two weeks.
However, sources said internal discussions are continuing within the Pawar family regarding leadership after a potential merger. No official statement has been issued by either faction on the matter so far.
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