Maharashtra Politics – Saamana Questions Timing of Sunetra Pawar’s Deputy CM Appointment
Maharashtra Politics –The Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana on Monday sharply questioned the timing and circumstances surrounding the appointment of Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, describing the decision as hurried and politically driven. In an editorial, the publication claimed the move came too soon after the death of her husband, former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and suggested it amounted to a “second shock” for the state’s political landscape.
Editorial Raises Concerns Over Speed of Decision
According to Saamana, Maharashtra had barely begun to process the loss of Ajit Pawar when the swearing-in ceremony for Sunetra Pawar took place. The editorial argued that while the state has formally gained its first woman Deputy Chief Minister, the appointment did not stem from demonstrated administrative experience but from strategic decisions taken by senior leaders. It noted that public opinion on the development remains divided, with some welcoming the milestone and others questioning the process behind it.
Family Kept Out of the Loop, Claims Saamana
The editorial cited remarks from Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leaders Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, both of whom reportedly said they were unaware of the decision in advance. Saamana questioned why Sunetra Pawar did not inform close family members before taking the oath, calling the episode an example of declining political standards. The piece attributed responsibility for this approach to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s senior leadership.
Ceremony During Mourning Draws Ideological Questions
Another key criticism raised by the publication was the timing of the oath-taking ceremony during the Pawar family’s mourning period. The editorial argued that such a move was inconsistent with the cultural and ideological principles often highlighted by the ruling alliance. While acknowledging that leadership continuity was necessary following Ajit Pawar’s death, Saamana questioned whether the urgency justified holding the ceremony at that particular moment.
Internal Party Dynamics After Ajit Pawar’s Death
Offering what it described as an alternative interpretation, Saamana suggested that Ajit Pawar’s demise created internal uncertainty within his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party. The editorial claimed that competing ambitions among senior leaders, including Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, intensified after his passing. It alleged that Sunetra Pawar’s elevation was intended to prevent the party’s leadership from shifting away from the Pawar family’s influence.
Control of Power Remains With the BJP, Says Editorial
Using a metaphor, the editorial compared the party to a boat navigating rough waters, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis controlling the engine while Sunetra Pawar holds the steering wheel. It expressed skepticism about whether the faction founded and led by Ajit Pawar could maintain its independence under these circumstances. According to Saamana, real authority continues to rest with the BJP leadership.
2029 Assembly Elections Seen as Crucial Test
Looking ahead, the editorial described the 2029 Maharashtra Assembly elections as a defining moment for Sunetra Pawar. It predicted that several legislators from allied factions could shift to the BJP before then, potentially weakening smaller partners. The piece argued that the political survival of these groups may depend largely on the goodwill of the BJP leadership rather than their own electoral strength.
Questions Over Governance and Leadership Style
The editorial also reflected on Ajit Pawar’s political stature, highlighting his command over key departments such as finance and planning, which gave him considerable influence within the government and party. It noted that Sunetra Pawar’s ability to handle similar responsibilities and assert independent leadership remains to be seen. Saamana stressed that the Deputy Chief Minister’s role should go beyond symbolism and involve active governance.
Merger Politics and Future Uncertainty
Finally, Saamana criticised what it described as an effort to prevent a reunion of the two Nationalist Congress Party factions. The editorial claimed Ajit Pawar had maintained dialogue on a possible merger, a process interrupted by his death. It suggested that current political alignments may not favour such a move and warned that Sunetra Pawar will face significant challenges navigating these dynamics.
Concluding the piece, Saamana congratulated Sunetra Pawar on her appointment while underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Maharashtra’s political future. It noted that the state has entered a period of transition marked by rapid shifts, unresolved questions, and competing interests, with the long-term impact yet to become clear.