NCP Maharashtra : Unit Moves to Elect New Legislature Party Leader

NCP Maharashtra : The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra is set to take a key organisational step on Saturday as its legislators gather to select a new leader of the Legislature Party. The move follows the sudden death of senior leader Ajit Pawar, who was killed earlier this week in a plane crash. Party leaders have indicated that Sunetra Pawar is likely to be chosen for the role, reflecting a consensus that has been building within the organisation.

Legislature Party Meeting Scheduled in Mumbai

Sunil Tatkare, the Maharashtra state president of the NCP, confirmed that the Legislature Party meeting would be held on Saturday afternoon. Addressing reporters, he said the meeting would begin at 2 pm and would focus on electing the group leader in the state legislature. According to Tatkare, party leaders are hopeful that the decision will align with the sentiments of party members and supporters across the state.

He explained that once the leader is formally elected during the meeting, NCP legislators will approach the Chief Minister with an official letter communicating their decision. The final procedural steps will then be taken after discussions with the Chief Minister.

Party Signals Support for Sunetra Pawar

Tatkare stated that NCP legislators, Members of Parliament, and senior party leaders have already discussed the issue internally and arrived at a collective view. While he refrained from sharing full details ahead of the meeting, he made it clear that Sunetra Pawar’s name has emerged with broad support within the party.

He added that further information would be made public after the Legislature Party meeting concludes, indicating that the party wants to follow formal processes before making official announcements.

Context of Recent Political Discussions

Referring to recent political developments, Tatkare mentioned a video that surfaced showing a meeting held in Baramati during an agriculture exhibition. He noted that Ajit Pawar had later addressed the media regarding that interaction, explaining that discussions at the time were related to local body elections.

Tatkare said Ajit Pawar had personally shared details of those discussions with journalists, clarifying the nature of the meeting. He stressed that the party would provide a more comprehensive explanation of recent events after Saturday’s internal meeting, once all leaders are on the same page.

Ajit Pawar’s Death Leaves Leadership Void

Ajit Pawar, 66, died on Wednesday in a plane crash that also claimed the lives of four others. His death has left a significant leadership gap within the NCP, particularly in Maharashtra, where he played a central role in legislative and organisational matters. Party leaders have acknowledged that the selection of a new Legislature Party leader is an important step in ensuring continuity and stability.

While the party has not announced a long-term roadmap following his death, leaders have emphasised the need to move forward in an orderly manner, respecting both institutional processes and public sentiment.

Legislators Call for Swift Decision

NCP MLA Pramod Hindurao said that there is strong agreement among party members on who should take up the responsibility. According to him, legislators and party workers want Sunetra Pawar to assume the role at the earliest.

Hindurao explained that once the decision is finalised at the meeting, the remaining formalities, including the oath-taking ceremony or any related programme, will be planned accordingly. He added that party workers across the state are eager for clarity and leadership during this transitional period.

Next Steps After the Meeting

Following the Legislature Party meeting, the focus will shift to formal communication with the Chief Minister and the completion of constitutional and administrative procedures. Party leaders have indicated that they want the transition to be smooth and in line with established norms.

The developments on Saturday are expected to shape the NCP’s immediate legislative strategy in Maharashtra, as the party seeks to maintain cohesion and direction after the loss of one of its most influential leaders.