Praful Patel: Suspense increases over the post of Deputy Chief Minister! What exactly happened in the meeting with the Chief Minister, what did Praful Patel say?

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After the accidental death of the state's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a significant void has been created in Maharashtra's politics. His funeral was held in Baramati yesterday. All major leaders of the state were present at this time. Now, political discussions have gained momentum regarding who will become the new Deputy Chief Minister in his place. Internal deliberations have started within the Nationalist Congress Party, and Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar's name is most discussed for this position.

After the funeral of Ajit Pawar, some senior leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), including Praful Patel, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Speaking to the media after this meeting, Praful Patel gave details of the discussion. He said, "After the funeral of our leader Ajit Pawar, we had not had a detailed political discussion with Chief Minister Fadnavis. Politically, we are a constituent party of the Mahayuti. The president of our Nationalist Congress Party and our legislative group leader was the Deputy Chief Minister. Therefore, we will have to make the decision regarding that position."

Patel further said, "We have only told Chief Minister Fadnavis that a decision regarding the Deputy Chief Minister's position will have to be made soon in the coming days. For this, we will call all our party's MLAs and discuss with them. We have informed the Chief Minister that this decision will be made respecting public sentiment and considering Ajit Dada's important role in our party."

When asked whether Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar will be made Deputy Chief Minister, Praful Patel expressed a clear stance on this. He said, "We have not discussed Sunetra Vahini Pawar's name with the Chief Minister today. That is our internal matter. The decision of who to place in that position is the party's decision. We will consider the opinion of the legislators, the sentiments of the people, and our own feelings."

Patel noted that the period of mourning is still ongoing at both political and personal levels. "Some religious rituals are still being conducted at home. We will have to speak with Sunetra Vahini regarding this, and also discuss with Parth Pawar, Jay Pawar. After all the home events are completed, if possible, we will try to speak with them tonight or tomorrow. We need to fill this position as soon as possible," he said.

Only after respecting the sentiments of the people and everyone in the party will a decision be made, reiterated Praful Patel, saying, "We have no opposition to anyone's name; but it is necessary for us to talk to them and understand their readiness and stance. Only then will a final decision be made." Therefore, it will be important to see if Sunetra Pawar formally comes forward in the race for the Deputy Chief Minister position. This decision is being closely watched in the grand alliance as well, and the picture is likely to become clearer in the coming days.