Sunetra Pawar elected NCP president a month after Ajit Pawar’s death

Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar takes over as NCP President, pledging to carry forward Ajit Pawar’s legacy

February 26, 2026

NCP Names Sunetra Pawar National President

Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, has been elected the party’s new National President, exactly one month after his death in a plane crash in Maharashtra’s Baramati.

The announcement was made by senior NCP leader Praful Patel, who had been serving as the party’s Working National President and moved the proposal for her elevation. The decision was formalised by the NCP’s Executive Committee after receiving backing from party MLAs last week.

Ajit Pawar died after a chartered aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land at an airfield in Baramati, marking a sudden end to a long political career in Maharashtra.

Assumes key political responsibilities

Earlier this month, Sunetra Pawar took charge of her ministerial duties at the state secretariat, 13 days after her husband’s death, and attended her first cabinet meeting. She has also stepped into the role of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, succeeding her late husband.

She has been allotted the portfolios of State Excise, Sports and Youth Affairs, and Minorities Development and Auqaf — departments previously held by Ajit Pawar — with the exception of the Finance portfolio.

In a post on X after assuming charge, Sunetra Pawar said she felt a deep sense of trust, duty and sacrifice in taking up her new responsibilities.

“The lifelong commitment of Ajit Pawar saheb to the development of Maharashtra and his tireless work for the people will always guide me,” she said.

Pledge to carry forward legacy

She said she would draw strength from her husband’s style of working, decision-making ability and close bond with people.

“Completing his unfinished dreams and doing justice to the expectations of farmers, women, youth and common citizens will be my top priority,” she said, adding that while no one could replace Ajit Pawar, she would make a sincere effort to preserve his legacy and build a stronger and more capable Maharashtra.

Her elevation marks a significant leadership transition within the NCP, as the party seeks to consolidate its position in Maharashtra politics following the sudden loss of one of its most prominent leaders.

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