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Sunetra Pawar Meets NCP Leaders Amidst Power Struggle

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 5:57 GMT by ThePrint
      Locale: INDIA

Mumbai, Maharashtra - January 31st, 2026 - Sunetra Pawar, wife of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, spent the day in a flurry of activity, meeting with key NCP leaders across Maharashtra ahead of a highly anticipated legislature party meeting. These meetings, occurring amidst a deepening rift within the NCP - primarily a power struggle between Sharad Pawar and his nephew, Ajit Pawar - are being widely interpreted as a strategic move to consolidate support and prepare for a critical showdown.

While Sharad Pawar remains a towering figure in Maharashtra politics, the recent defection of Ajit Pawar, along with a significant number of NCP MLAs, to the ruling coalition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena, has dramatically altered the political landscape. This has triggered a fight for control of the party, with both Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar claiming to be the rightful leaders of the NCP. The legislature party meeting is expected to be a decisive moment, potentially clarifying who commands the majority support within the NCP's legislative wing.

Today's meetings hosted by Sunetra Pawar weren't merely social calls. Sources close to the Pawar family indicate that they were meticulously planned engagements designed to gauge the loyalty of various NCP leaders and subtly influence the upcoming vote. While Sharad Pawar, due to his age and recent health concerns, has delegated more of the day-to-day political maneuvering, Sunetra Pawar appears to be increasingly stepping into a more visible and active role, functioning as a key conduit between the party leadership and its rank and file.

Several prominent NCP figures confirmed their meetings with Sunetra Pawar, though details of the discussions remained largely confidential. Those who spoke on the condition of anonymity suggested that the conversations revolved around the importance of party unity, the need to uphold Sharad Pawar's legacy, and the dangers of succumbing to what they characterized as "opportunistic alliances." The emphasis reportedly focused on the historical principles of the NCP - social justice, secularism, and farmers' welfare - a clear attempt to frame the current conflict as a battle for the party's soul.

Political analysts believe Sunetra Pawar's involvement is a calculated attempt to leverage her considerable soft power and familial connection to rally support. She's long been known as a behind-the-scenes influence within the NCP, providing advice and guidance to her husband. However, this marks a significant escalation in her public political engagement.

"Sunetra Pawar is a respected figure within the party, and her meetings carry weight," explains Dr. Anjali Verma, a political science professor at Mumbai University. "She represents continuity and the original values of the NCP. In a party fractured by ambition and shifting allegiances, she embodies a sense of stability. By actively engaging with leaders, she's attempting to remind them of what the NCP stood for before the recent turmoil."

The legislature party meeting on Sunday is anticipated to be a tense affair. Ajit Pawar is expected to present his claim to leadership, backed by the MLAs who defected with him. Sharad Pawar, in turn, is expected to highlight his continued influence and the loyalty of those who remain steadfastly by his side. The outcome is uncertain, but observers predict a close contest. The role of unaligned MLAs, those who haven't publicly pledged allegiance to either faction, will be crucial.

Beyond the immediate power struggle, the events unfolding within the NCP raise broader questions about the future of regional parties in Maharashtra and the increasing dominance of national-level forces like the BJP. The NCP, once a formidable power broker, is now grappling with an existential crisis. Sunetra Pawar's efforts, therefore, are not just about winning a vote; they are about preserving a political legacy and safeguarding the NCP's relevance in a rapidly changing political landscape. The coming days will undoubtedly prove pivotal in determining the fate of the Nationalist Congress Party, and the extent of Sunetra Pawar's influence within it.