Political tremors are shaking the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, as senior leaders push for a bold new move: appointing **Sunetra Pawar**, wife of current Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, as an official Deputy CM. This unprecedented proposal comes amid intense strategizing over the high-stakes **Baramati bypoll**—a seat long considered the stronghold of the Pawar family and now vacant after the sudden demise of Ajit’s nephew, Rohit Pawar.
The dual-track maneuver—elevating Sunetra while preparing a next-generation candidate for Baramati—signals a deeper effort by the NCP’s old guard to consolidate power, secure legacy, and counter internal fragmentation. But is this a masterstroke of dynastic politics or a risky gamble that could backfire? Let’s unpack the layers of this unfolding drama.
Table of Contents
- Why Sunetra Pawar for Deputy CM?
- The Baramati Bypoll: Why It Matters
- Family Dynasty or Strategic Necessity?
- Political Reactions and Internal Tensions
- What This Means for Maharashtra’s Government
- Conclusion: The Pawar Legacy at a Crossroads
- Sources
Why Sunetra Pawar for Deputy CM?
On the surface, the idea of appointing Sunetra Pawar—a former actress with no formal ministerial experience—as Deputy CM may seem surprising. But within the context of Maharashtra’s fluid coalition politics, it makes strategic sense for the NCP faction loyal to Ajit Pawar.
Senior NCP leaders argue that Sunetra’s public image, grassroots connect, and symbolic value as the matriarch of the Ajit Pawar wing could strengthen the party’s emotional appeal, especially among women voters. Moreover, her appointment would serve as a powerful statement of continuity and stability in a party still reeling from its 2023 split, when Ajit Pawar led a faction into alliance with the BJP-led government—breaking away from his uncle, Sharad Pawar’s original NCP.
As one senior leader anonymously told reporters, “If Ajit dada is the face of governance, Sunetra behen can be the face of compassion and culture. She’s respected, dignified, and deeply connected to Baramati” [[1]].
The Baramati Bypoll: Why It Matters
The Baramati assembly seat isn’t just any constituency—it’s the ancestral bastion of the Pawar family. For decades, it has been held by either Sharad Pawar or Ajit Pawar. Now, with the seat falling vacant after the death of Rohit Pawar (son of Sharad’s late brother), the political symbolism is immense.
NCP seniors are reportedly insisting that **one of Sunetra and Ajit’s two sons—Parth or Dinkar Pawar—must contest the bypoll**. This would mark the formal entry of the third generation into electoral politics, ensuring the Pawar legacy endures in their home turf.
Key reasons why Baramati is non-negotiable:
- Legacy Protection: Losing Baramati would be a massive blow to the family’s political identity.
- Stronghold Status: The constituency has never elected a non-Pawar candidate in decades.
- Message to Rivals: Fielding a young Pawar signals long-term planning and resilience.
However, both sons have so far stayed away from active politics, focusing on education and personal pursuits. Whether they’re ready—or willing—to step into the arena remains uncertain.
Family Dynasty or Strategic Necessity?
Critics quickly label this as classic dynastic politics. And they’re not entirely wrong. India’s political landscape is dotted with family-run parties—from the Gandhis to the Thackerays. But in Maharashtra, the Pawars have built a unique blend of agrarian leadership, institutional credibility, and cultural influence that transcends mere surname power.
That said, appointing Sunetra as Deputy CM without prior administrative experience could invite scrutiny. Yet, precedent exists: in 2023, the Maharashtra government had three Deputy CMs simultaneously—a move more about coalition balancing than meritocracy. In that light, Sunetra’s role could be largely ceremonial but symbolically potent.
For deeper insights into political dynasties in India, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offers a nuanced analysis of how family networks shape democratic outcomes.
Political Reactions and Internal Tensions
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions. Within the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), many see it as a unifying move that honors the family while projecting strength. But in the rival NCP led by Sharad Pawar, there’s skepticism—and some quiet schadenfreude.
Sharad Pawar’s camp has not commented officially, but sources suggest they view the Sunetra push as a sign of desperation. “They’re trying to create a parallel legacy because they’ve lost the original party’s soul,” said a close aide to the veteran leader [[4]].
Meanwhile, allies like the BJP are watching closely. While they benefit from Ajit Pawar’s alliance, they may be wary of empowering another Pawar figure who could demand greater autonomy in the future.
What This Means for Maharashtra’s Government
If implemented, Sunetra Pawar’s elevation would make her one of the most prominent women in Maharashtra’s cabinet—a rare feat in a male-dominated political ecosystem. It could also reshape the NCP’s internal power structure, potentially sidelining non-family loyalists in favor of a more centralized, family-centric model.
More broadly, this move reflects a larger trend in Indian regional politics: the fusion of personal legacy, emotional voter connect, and institutional authority. As Maharashtra heads toward the 2029 assembly elections, every decision today is a chess move for tomorrow.
Stay updated on all developments in Maharashtra politics through our [INTERNAL_LINK:maharashtra-political-updates] hub.
Conclusion: The Pawar Legacy at a Crossroads
The NCP’s push for Sunetra Pawar as Deputy CM and a Pawar scion in Baramati isn’t just about filling positions—it’s about securing a dynasty’s future in an era of volatile alliances and rising anti-incumbency. Whether this strategy strengthens the party or exposes its overreliance on family branding will be decided not in press conferences, but at the ballot box. One thing is certain: in Maharashtra’s political theater, the Pawar name remains a headline no one can ignore.
Sources
- Times of India: NCP seniors want Ajit’s wife Sunetra as deputy CM; calls in Baramati for either son to fight bypoll
- The Indian Express: Baramati bypoll: Will a Pawar heir step forward?
- Hindustan Times: NCP faction pushes Sunetra Pawar for Deputy CM role
- Carnegie Endowment: Dynastic Politics in India