Ajit Pawar: The shocking death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on 28 January 2026 has left many shocked in the political circles. Just hours after his cremation today, top Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde and Sunil Tatkare met his wife Sunetra Pawar. She may now contest from Ajit Pawar’s Baramati seat.
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Many believe that Praful Patel may become the President of the NCP. This possible “cremation day turnaround” could reshape political alliances and rivalries in the state.
The Dramatic Shift Post-Cremation of Ajit Pawar
Senior party leaders Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde and Sunil Tatkare met Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar. It is believed that she may be asked to contest Baramati by-election, a seat Ajit dominated since 1993.
According to media reports, there are growing talks that Sunetra may be pitched for the role of Deputy CM to CM Devendra Fadnavis, with Patel stepping up as working president amid merger talks with NCP (SP).
Political Stability
The faction of Ajit Pawar with 41 MLAs has ties with the BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti coalition, which holds a slim edge over the 145-seat majority mark. The elevation of Sunetra Pawar would ensure continuity but it is likely to be seen whether the Bharatiya Janata Party would give a nod to the Deputy CM position though it is highly likely that Sunetra could become, given the sympathy wave in her favour.
The grassroots connection of Sunetra in western Maharashtra could sustain the Pawar clout in the state. Moreover, the elevation of Patel may neutralize hardliners such as Chhagan Bhujbal.
A political veteran, Praful Patel could steer mergers with Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP), mending family rifts.
If Sunetra and Patel clinch it, NCP survives else NCP-SP could feast on the vacuum.
