Wednesday turned out to be a shocking day for Maharashtra's politics. The state's Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajitdada Pawar passed away in a horrific plane crash, plunging the entire state into mourning. The void created by Ajitdada's demise has posed a significant leadership and administrative challenge not only for the Nationalist Congress Party but also for the entire grand alliance government. Against this backdrop, there has been a rapid pace of political developments regarding cabinet reshuffles, reallocation of important portfolios, and the future of the Nationalist Congress Party.
Ajit Pawar held important portfolios like the finance department along with energy and planning. After his demise, the question of who will present the upcoming state budget has come to the forefront. There is intense discussion in political circles about whether the finance department will get a new face, and whether there will be changes in departments like home and energy. There is talk that Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, is at the forefront for the deputy chief minister position, which has made the topic even more sensitive.
Meanwhile, senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party and Minister Chhagan Bhujbal's arrival at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's 'Varsha' residence has sparked discussions. It is speculated that discussions on cabinet reshuffle, portfolios from the Nationalist Congress Party, and the Deputy Chief Minister position might take place during this meeting. It is informed that a letter will be given to the Chief Minister from the party regarding handing over the portfolios held by Ajit Pawar to other ministers in the Nationalist Congress Party. Following this, the state president of the Nationalist Congress Party, Sunil Tatkare, will interact with the media.
After the demise of Ajit Pawar, it is considered inevitable to reshuffle the cabinet to maintain balance in the government. Discussions are ongoing in the grand alliance on whether to retain the portfolios held by the Nationalist Congress Party or to give them to other parties. The decision regarding especially the finance, energy, and home departments will be crucial. Therefore, the possibility of significant changes in the cabinet in the coming days cannot be ruled out.
The most discussed issue in all these developments is the potential merger of both Nationalist Congress Parties. According to sources, the Pawar family is likely to sit together soon to make a final decision on this. There were positive discussions about the merger of both parties while Ajit Pawar was alive. Leaders like Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar, Jayant Patil, Amol Kolhe, and Shashikant Shinde from the Sharad Pawar group participated in the discussions. Now, with Ajit Pawar not being present, it is informed that the Pawar family will make the decision on this matter.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the BJP, alleging "BJP wants all the portfolios." He also raised questions about the law and order situation in the state. On the other hand, NCP leader Rajesh Tope stated that the public sentiment is for both factions of the NCP to come together. "This was also Ajit Dada's wish," he clarified. Overall, after Ajit Pawar's demise, a new chapter of mourning, uncertainty, and power equations has begun in Maharashtra's politics, with major decisions likely in the coming days.