Maharashtra : Government Signals Support for NCP Decision on Deputy Chief Minister
Maharashtra: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the state government and the Bharatiya Janata Party would stand by whatever decision the Nationalist Congress Party takes regarding the appointment of the next Deputy Chief Minister. His remarks come amid speculation that Sunetra Pawar may soon assume the role following the death of senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar.
Government Leaves Choice to NCP Leadership
Addressing reporters after a meeting with Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Fadnavis made it clear that the matter rests entirely with the NCP. He stated that the ruling coalition would extend full support to the party’s decision, without seeking to influence the process.
According to the Chief Minister, the NCP is best placed to decide who should take on the responsibilities of Deputy Chief Minister, and the BJP-led government would respect that outcome.
Support Extended to Pawar Family and Party
Fadnavis also emphasized solidarity with the family of late Ajit Pawar, describing the moment as a sensitive period for both the family and the party. He said the government stands firmly with them as they navigate the transition.
His comments underline the coalition’s effort to maintain stability and cooperation at a time when the NCP is dealing with the sudden loss of a senior leader who played a key role in the state government.
Reports Point to Sunetra Pawar’s Possible Oath
Sources within the NCP have indicated that Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member and Ajit Pawar’s wife, is likely to be sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. The oath-taking is expected to take place on Saturday, following Ajit Pawar’s death in an air crash on January 28.
While no formal announcement has been made, party insiders suggest discussions within the NCP have progressed rapidly in recent days.
Discussions Held With State Leadership
Responding to questions about whether the NCP had formally approached him with a proposal, Fadnavis confirmed that senior party leaders had met him on two occasions. He said these meetings involved discussions around the options available to the party, though no final decision had been communicated publicly.
He refrained from sharing further details, reiterating that the choice ultimately lies with the NCP leadership.
Budget Responsibility After Ajit Pawar’s Passing
Ajit Pawar had been holding the finance portfolio, raising questions about who would present the upcoming state budget. Fadnavis said that Pawar had already completed substantial preparatory work before his death.
The Chief Minister noted that he would personally oversee the remaining processes to ensure continuity and would later take a decision on how the responsibility would be handled going forward.
Nagpur Civic Polls Also Reviewed
During his meeting with Gadkari, Fadnavis also discussed the outcome of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, where the BJP secured a clear majority. He said conversations focused on the selection of the next mayor.
According to Fadnavis, the final call on the mayoral post will be taken collectively by party office-bearers and local MLAs, reflecting the party’s internal consultative process.