Transformative Shift in Maharashtra Politics: Sunetra Pawar to Lead NCP

Maharashtra's political landscape is undergoing a significant shift as Sunetra Pawar is poised to take over leadership roles in the NCP following the death of her husband, Ajit Pawar. She has been nominated for the Baramati Assembly by-election and is expected to be elected as the party's new national president. This transition comes after a crucial party meeting where her leadership was unanimously supported. The upcoming elections for the Rajya Sabha and the party's internal elections are set to further shape the future of the NCP. Discover more about these developments and their implications for Maharashtra's political scene.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 11:14 IST

Significant Changes in Maharashtra's Political Landscape

A pivotal transformation is set to occur in Maharashtra's political arena. Following the passing of Ajit Pawar, a prominent leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has made a crucial decision to fill the leadership void. In a key meeting held on Tuesday, Sunetra Pawar has been announced as the candidate for the Baramati Assembly by-election, and preparations are underway for her to assume the role of the party's new national president. Sources indicate that this decision was reached during the significant party meeting.

Baramati Assembly Seat Vacated

The Baramati Assembly seat became vacant following the tragic death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. In the previous assembly elections, Ajit Pawar secured the Baramati seat by defeating his nephew, Yugen Pawar, a candidate from NCP (SP), by a margin of 100,899 votes. Ajit received 181,132 votes, while Yugen garnered 80,233 votes.

Paarth Pawar's Nomination for Rajya Sabha

During the same meeting, the party leadership finalized the nomination of Paarth Pawar for the Rajya Sabha. He is set to take over his mother Sunetra Pawar's position in the upper house. Following her husband's death, Sunetra has been serving as the Deputy Chief Minister in the Maharashtra Mahayuti government. Elections for seven vacant Rajya Sabha seats in Maharashtra are scheduled for March 16.

NCP to Elect New National President

Additionally, the NCP is expected to elect its new national president on Thursday, February 26. The election will take place this evening at the Worli Dome in Mumbai, where party MLAs, MPs, and senior officials will be present. Party sources have confirmed that Sunetra Pawar's name will be officially approved as the national president. Her promotion comes in light of recent developments within the party following Ajit Pawar's tragic demise in the plane crash, leading to unanimous agreement on her name for the top organizational position. Sunetra Pawar currently serves as the Deputy Chief Minister and is also the leader of the legislative party.