Election result and immediate reactions
Sunetra Pawar, the younger sister of veteran NCP leader Ajit Pawar, has been elected as the party’s national president in a unanimous vote at the NCP national conference in Nagpur. Delegates hailed the decision as a unifying move amid recent internal tensions and as a response to the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections slated for later this year. Pawar’s ascent underscores a generational shift, placing a seasoned women’s rights activist at the helm of a party long dominated by senior male figures.
During her acceptance address, Sunetra invoked her brother’s vision, stating, “I will work to fulfill Ajit Pawar’s dreams.” She reiterated the NCP’s core commitments—secularism, inclusive development, and opposition to communal forces—while promising to strengthen the party’s footprint across rural Maharashtra, urban Mumbai, and the Vidarbha region where the NCP traditionally enjoys strong support.
At 55, Sunetra represents a newer cadre that blends traditional regional politics with contemporary governance expectations. Her victory was endorsed by Sharad Pawar and other senior NCP stalwarts, who commended her ability to bridge the divide between the older guard and emerging leaders. Party insiders say the vote of confidence signals a desire to consolidate NCP identity ahead of coalition talks for the 2026 general elections.
Ajit Pawar, former deputy chief minister and minister of agriculture, health, and finance, died in early 2025 after a prolonged illness. His passing left a leadership vacuum that many feared could splinter the party. Sunetra’s election is viewed as a strategic move to honor his legacy while ensuring a seamless transition. She pledged to focus on policy continuity, farmer welfare, and expanding the party’s base among youth and women.
Recent weeks have seen the NCP face criticism over alleged corruption scandals involving former state ministers and lingering factionalism. Pawar’s agenda places renewed emphasis on transparency, accountability, and a zero‑tolerance stance toward misuse of public funds. She hinted at forging fresh alliances with smaller regional parties to broaden the anti‑BJP front, while maintaining ties with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the national level.
The Times of India reported that the election results were announced amid heavy security, with delegates from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and other NCP‑affiliated states in attendance. The party’s central committee welcomed the outcome, calling it “the beginning of a new era of rejuvenated NCP.” Observers anticipate that Sunetra’s inclusive approach, rooted in her experience as a former Congress MP and women’s rights activist, will help the party regain ground in urban constituencies.
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