There has been a tremendous acceleration in the developments in Maharashtra's politics currently. After the tragic plane crash death of Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajitdada Pawar on Wednesday, there is a possibility of a major upheaval in the state's power dynamics. Ajit Pawar's death has created a leadership vacuum in the Nationalist Congress Party, and several important questions have arisen before the Mahayuti government.
Ajit Pawar held the position of Deputy Chief Minister along with the finance portfolio and other important departments. Therefore, there is now intense discussion on who will take over these departments, who will present the upcoming state budget, and what the future direction of the Nationalist Congress Party will be. Against this backdrop, three senior leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party have arrived at 'Varsha', the official residence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai, today.
Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, NCP State President Sunil Tatkare, and senior leader Praful Patel have arrived at the 'Varsha' bungalow to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The political circles of the state are focused on this meeting, and it is speculated that important decisions might be made. According to sources, these leaders are expected to insist that the portfolios held by Ajit Pawar should remain with the NCP.
Particularly, there are intense discussions ongoing regarding the finance portfolio. There is a possibility that this meeting will discuss whether an NCP minister should present the upcoming state budget or if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should present it himself. It is said that the party leaders are taking a stand that the finance portfolio should remain with the NCP.
Meanwhile, after the demise of Ajit Pawar, there has been a demand from the Nationalist Congress Party to give the Deputy Chief Minister position to his wife, Sunetra Pawar. It is being discussed that many leaders have taken a positive stance on this matter. However, the real dilemma is about whom to assign the finance, excise, and other portfolios that were held by Ajit Pawar along with the Deputy Chief Minister position. It is believed that a decisive meeting is being held today at 'Varsha' to resolve these issues.
In all these developments, the discussion of the unification of both Nationalist Congress Parties has once again gained momentum. These discussions had started earlier in the backdrop of local self-government institutions and municipal elections. The late Ajit Pawar had also given some positive indications about this at times. After his sudden demise, it is being said that the possibility of both NCPs coming together has strengthened.
However, if unification happens, whether the Nationalist Congress Party will remain a part of the grand alliance or join the Maha Vikas Aghadi, this question remains unanswered. Therefore, there is a possibility that the state's politics will soon take a new turn. After today's meeting, the entire state is focused on what stance the NCP leaders will take.