The first female Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra is expected to be Sunetra Pawar who is married to Ajit Pawar. Party sources said she is likely to take the oath on Saturday. An NCP leader stated that the party’s parliamentary board will meet in Mumbai and elect Sunetra Pawar as the leader of the legislature party. She is expected to take her oath before the day ends.
NCP Reunification Talks Make Progress
- After Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar passed away the Nationalist Congress Party started discussions about reuniting its two splinter groups. According to sources, efforts to bring the factions together had already begun earlier and have now reached an important stage.
- The two NCP factions had earlier contested the Pune and Chinchwad local body elections together. Sources said Ajit Pawar had met his uncle Sharad Pawar several times to discuss a possible merger. Talks were also held with Supriya Sule and Jayant Patil from Sharad Pawar’s faction. Senior BJP leaders are said to be aware of these developments.
Leadership Functions After Possible Unification
- If the factions reunite, Sharad Pawar is expected to take a central leadership role and guide the party. Questions remain about whether Sunetra Pawar’s appointment as Deputy Chief Minister could affect the reunification process. The position of leaders supporting the merger is also unclear.
- On Friday NCP Working President Praful Patel announced that no obstacles prevent Sunetra Pawar from becoming the leader of the legislative body. The state budget plan together with the upcoming government developments will determine the future of the state budget and its related administrative functions.
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