Who Will Lead the NCP After Ajit Pawar? Party, Family, and Power at a Crossroads

The sudden death of Maharashtra’s senior leader Ajit Pawar in a tragic plane crash has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape. Known widely as “Dada,” Ajit Pawar was not just a powerful face of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), but also a central pillar holding together a fractured party, complex alliances, and a deeply intertwined political family.

While investigations will determine how and why the accident occurred, a far more immediate and emotionally charged question has emerged within political circles and among party workers: who will now lead the NCP and carry forward Ajit Pawar’s legacy?

The answer is far from simple. Multiple names are being discussed, loyalties are being weighed, and long-standing divisions within the party threaten to widen further.

A Question No One Expected to Ask

Until the morning of January 28, the issue of leadership succession was not even part of political conversation. Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and chief of the NCP faction aligned with the ruling Mahayuti alliance, was heading to Baramati for election campaigning.

He never arrived.

The chartered aircraft carrying him crashed, killing everyone on board. The impact of the accident was devastating, with the remains of the victims severely damaged. Thousands gathered for Ajit Pawar’s final rites, including top political leaders, family members, and loyal supporters. Amid grief and shock, a pressing reality surfaced — the NCP was suddenly without its most dominant leader.

Can Sunetra Pawar Step Into the Role?

The first name to surface was Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s wife. For years, she maintained a low political profile. That changed in 2024 when she contested the Lok Sabha elections from Baramati against Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar.

Although Sunetra Pawar lost the election, the contest transformed her public image. She was no longer seen only as Ajit Pawar’s spouse but as a political figure in her own right. She is currently a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament.

However, leading the NCP in its current state is no easy task. The party has been battling internal conflicts even before Ajit Pawar’s death, and many within the organization question whether Sunetra Pawar has the political experience or authority required to manage intensifying factional pressures.

Is Parth Pawar Ready for Leadership?

Another possibility is Parth Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s elder son. His younger son, Jay Pawar, has chosen to stay away from politics and focus on business ventures.

Parth entered active politics in 2019 and contested the Lok Sabha elections the same year but was defeated. While he remained involved afterward, his political footprint has been limited. Critics argue that he lacks the experience, organizational strength, and grassroots network needed to fill the leadership vacuum left by his father.

At his age and with his relatively short political journey, Parth Pawar is yet to build a solid cadre that could stand firmly behind him during a time of crisis.

Praful Patel: The Strongest Non-Family Contender?

Among senior leaders, Praful Patel stands out as a serious and credible option. A seasoned politician, former Union Minister, and long-time associate of Sharad Pawar, Patel made a significant political shift when the NCP split — choosing to side with Ajit Pawar over Sharad Pawar.

That decision cemented his position as one of Ajit Pawar’s most trusted allies.

Even today, Praful Patel is considered the most influential leader within the party after Ajit Pawar. His experience in dealing with the central government, managing coalition partners, and navigating Maharashtra’s complex political equations makes him a natural contender. If the party chooses a leader outside the Pawar family, Patel is widely seen as the most acceptable face.

Other Names in the Race

Several other leaders are also being discussed. Jayant Patil, a three-decade-long MLA, remains a respected figure. Chhagan Bhujbal, currently a cabinet minister in the Maharashtra government, is another senior leader with mass recognition. Sunil Tatkare, the state party president, has administrative experience and is the party’s lone Lok Sabha MP. Dhananjay Munde, one of Ajit Pawar’s closest associates, also figures among the potential contenders.

Yet, despite their experience, none of these leaders command the same mass appeal, authority, or political willpower that Ajit Pawar possessed — qualities that allowed him to maintain influence both within the party and across alliances.

Does the Road Lead Back to Sharad Pawar?

In this uncertain environment, one name still carries unmatched weight — Sharad Pawar. For many, he appears to be the only figure capable of protecting both the party’s identity and the Pawar family’s political legacy.

However, his return is complicated by reality. The NCP is split into two rival factions. Sharad Pawar’s group is part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, while Ajit Pawar’s faction remains aligned with the ruling Mahayuti coalition.

To reunite the party, Sharad Pawar would have to take one of two extremely difficult paths: either join the Mahayuti himself or convince Ajit Pawar’s faction to walk out of the government. Both scenarios currently appear unlikely. Joining the ruling alliance would require approval from the BJP’s central leadership and Eknath Shinde, while exiting the government would demand mass resignations from ministers unlikely to give up power voluntarily.

A Possible Family Reunion, But Party Unity Still Distant

While political unification seems improbable in the near future, a reconciliation within the Pawar family is not entirely ruled out. Personal relationships between Sharad Pawar and leaders like Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde, and Sunil Tatkare have historically remained strong, despite political differences.

Sharad Pawar is known as a master strategist — someone whose rivals often end up becoming allies again. Yet even for him, bringing together two competing political camps under present circumstances would be an extraordinary challenge.

For now, Maharashtra politics waits, watches, and recalculates. Any final answer to the question of NCP’s future leadership may still be premature.