The sudden and tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a private plane crash has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape—and it may have just catapulted his daughter, Sunetra Pawar, into one of the most powerful positions in the state [[1]].
With the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) reeling from the loss of its most influential leader, internal dynamics are shifting rapidly. Sources close to the party reveal that merger talks between the two warring NCP factions—led by Sharad Pawar and the late Ajit Pawar—were already well underway before the accident. Now, his passing could accelerate those plans, with a formal reunion expected as early as February 2026 [[1]].
But perhaps the most immediate consequence is the scramble to fill Ajit Pawar’s shoes. And all signs point to his 35-year-old daughter, Sunetra, as the frontrunner for the Deputy CM post—a move that would mark a dramatic generational shift in Maratha political leadership.
Table of Contents
- The Tragedy That Changed Maharashtra Politics
- Sunetra Pawar: A Quiet Force in the Pawar Dynasty
- NCP Factions Eye February Merger
- The Four Frontrunners for Deputy CM
- Why Sunetra Is the Top Contender
- Conclusion: A New Era for Maharashtra?
- Sources
The Tragedy That Changed Maharashtra Politics
On January 24, 2026, a small aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar and three others crashed in the Western Ghats near Pune under unclear circumstances [[1]]. The news stunned the nation. As the de facto number two in Maharashtra’s government and a key ally of the BJP in the ruling coalition, Ajit Pawar was not just a regional heavyweight—he was a national-level power broker.
His death creates a massive vacuum—not just in the cabinet, but within the NCP itself. For years, the party had been split between his faction and that of his uncle, veteran leader Sharad Pawar. Ironically, sources say Ajit had recently begun viewing a reunion as a “strategic necessity” for the party’s survival ahead of the 2029 state elections [[1]].
Sunetra Pawar: A Quiet Force in the Pawar Dynasty
Until now, Sunetra Pawar has largely stayed away from the limelight. A former model and entrepreneur, she entered electoral politics only in 2024, winning a seat in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. But behind the scenes, she’s been a trusted advisor to her father, known for her sharp political instincts and deep understanding of grassroots issues in western Maharashtra [[1]].
Her low-profile approach stands in contrast to other political heirs, but insiders say that’s precisely her strength. “She listens more than she speaks,” said one senior NCP leader. “And when she does speak, people pay attention.”
NCP Factions Eye February Merger
Before his death, Ajit Pawar had reportedly held multiple secret meetings with Sharad Pawar’s camp. The goal? To heal the 2023 split that saw Ajit take nearly two-thirds of the party’s MLAs to join the BJP-led government [[1]].
Now, with Ajit gone, the emotional and strategic rationale for reunification has grown stronger. Party veterans fear that without unity, the NCP could be marginalized in the upcoming Lok Sabha and state elections. A February 2026 announcement is being floated as a symbolic tribute to Ajit’s legacy—and a practical step to consolidate opposition forces [[1]].
The Four Frontrunners for Deputy CM
While Sunetra Pawar leads the race, she isn’t the only name in contention. Other potential candidates include:
- Sunetra Pawar: Seen as the natural heir, with strong family backing and growing grassroots support.
- Chhagan Bhujbal: A veteran OBC leader with decades of experience, though his influence has waned in recent years.
- Jayant Patil: Former PWD minister and a loyalist of Sharad Pawar, representing the old guard.
- Hasan Mushrif: Current Cabinet Minister and a key Muslim face in the NCP, valued for his administrative record.
However, none of them carry the symbolic weight or dynastic legitimacy that Sunetra brings to the table.
Why Sunetra Is the Top Contender
Several factors make Sunetra the overwhelming favorite:
- Legacy Continuity: Appointing her ensures the Pawar family remains at the center of Maharashtra politics.
- BJP’s Calculated Support: The ruling BJP sees her as a manageable partner who can deliver the NCP’s traditional vote bank without challenging their dominance.
- Public Sympathy: The tragic circumstances of her father’s death have generated immense public goodwill, which can be politically leveraged.
- Youth Appeal: At 35, she represents a new generation of leaders, contrasting with the aging political elite.
For more on dynastic politics in India, see our analysis at [INTERNAL_LINK:dynastic-politics-in-india].
Conclusion: A New Era for Maharashtra?
The rise of Sunetra Pawar would mark more than just a personnel change—it would signal a profound transformation in Maharashtra’s political culture. From a male-dominated, caste-based power structure to a younger, more modern leadership model, her potential ascension reflects broader societal shifts. Whether she gets the nod will depend on delicate negotiations between the NCP, BJP, and even Sharad Pawar’s camp. But one thing is clear: the era of Ajit Pawar is over. The question now is whether the age of Sunetra Pawar is about to begin.
Sources
- [[1]] Times of India: “Pawar play in Maharashtra: NCP factions eyeing Feb merger; the 4 frontrunners to fill top post after Ajit Dada’s death” (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pawar-play-in-maharashtra-ncp-factions-eyeing-feb-merger-the-4-frontrunners-to-fill-top-post-after-ajit-dadas-death/articleshow/127802464.cms)
- [[2]] Election Commission of India (https://eci.gov.in/)