Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has been unanimously elected as the National President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Her appointment comes nearly a month after the death of her husband and former party chief Ajit Pawar.
Speaking after taking charge at the party’s national convention, Sunetra Pawar described the moment as both emotional and full of responsibility. She said the party is like her family and promised to work hard to fulfil Ajit Pawar’s vision.
“Not just Parth and Jay, the entire NCP is my family,” she told party workers, receiving loud applause. She stressed that the party would continue to connect with all sections of society.
Sunetra Pawar invoked the ideals of Shiv, Shahu, Phule and Ambedkar, assuring that no community would be left behind. She said her priority is to strengthen the party organisation and expand its presence, especially in urban areas.
Recalling her husband’s contribution, she said his death has created a void that cannot be filled. She became emotional while saying that Ajit Pawar worked throughout his life for Maharashtra’s development and that the party will work together to complete his unfinished dreams.
She also spoke about carrying forward the ideological legacy associated with veteran leader Sharad Pawar’s family, and emphasised her focus on the welfare of Maharashtra’s people.
The decision to appoint her was taken through a show of hands at the convention. The announcement was made by NCP National Working President Praful Patel, who said the party will move forward under Sunetra Pawar’s leadership despite outside opinions.
In another key decision, Patel announced that Parth Pawar will be the party’s candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat that became vacant after Sunetra Pawar resigned from it.
The party hopes the leadership change will help strengthen its national presence.
