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NCP Faces Internal Dissent Over Pawar's Wife Appointment

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ernal-dissent-over-pawar-s-wife-appointment.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 4:56 GMT by Business Today
      Locales: Maharashtra, INDIA

Mumbai, Maharashtra - February 6th, 2026 - A growing sense of unease is brewing within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) following the recent and swift appointment of Sunetra Pawar, wife of NCP leader Ajit Pawar, as the party's legislative leader. While the appointment itself isn't the core issue, the manner in which it was conducted has sparked significant internal dissent, led by NCP State President Sunil Tatkare.

Tatkare, in a carefully worded but pointed statement released yesterday, expressed surprise and concern regarding the speed at which Sunetra Pawar was elected. He didn't directly challenge Mrs. Pawar's capabilities or suitability for the role, instead focusing on the lack of what he perceived as necessary internal consultation and a transparent process. "The decision felt... hasty," Tatkare stated to reporters. "A position of this magnitude requires thorough discussion and consensus-building. While I respect Mrs. Pawar, the speed with which this transpired left many feeling overlooked."

The concerns voiced by Tatkare go beyond simple procedural nitpicking. Multiple sources within the NCP, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirm that a significant number of party members were caught off guard by the announcement. The usual channels of internal communication appear to have been bypassed, fueling speculation about a centralized power play orchestrated by Ajit Pawar and a small circle of loyalists. This is particularly sensitive given the delicate political landscape of Maharashtra, where alliances shift frequently and internal party cohesion is paramount.

This isn't merely about a single election; it's about the future direction of the NCP. The party has already undergone significant upheaval in recent years, notably the split in 2023 which saw Ajit Pawar break away with a faction to align with the ruling coalition. This appointment risks exacerbating existing fissures and potentially alienating those who feel disenfranchised. Observers note that the perceived disregard for established party procedures could embolden other dissatisfied members to voice their grievances, leading to further instability.

Experts suggest that Ajit Pawar may have been aiming to consolidate his control over the legislative wing of the party, ensuring loyalty and streamlining decision-making. By elevating his wife to such a prominent position, he effectively establishes a trusted ally at the heart of the legislative process. However, this strategy, while potentially effective in the short term, could backfire if it breeds resentment and a sense of exclusion among other senior party members. The question is whether the perceived benefits of centralized control outweigh the potential costs of internal division.

Several political analysts are drawing parallels to similar situations in other regional parties, where familial connections and perceived favoritism have led to internal rebellions and ultimately, weakened the party's overall standing. The situation demands careful handling from Ajit Pawar and the NCP leadership. Ignoring the legitimate concerns raised by Tatkare and other dissenting voices could prove detrimental to the party's long-term prospects.

The timing of this appointment is particularly noteworthy. Maharashtra is gearing up for local elections in late 2026, and the NCP is hoping to regain lost ground. A united and motivated party is crucial for success, and the current internal strife poses a significant obstacle. Furthermore, the state government is facing mounting pressure on several key policy issues, and a fractured NCP could weaken its ability to effectively govern and address these challenges.

While Ajit Pawar has publicly lauded his wife's experience and dedication, framing her appointment as a natural progression given her long-standing involvement in party affairs, the undercurrent of discontent remains palpable. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the NCP can successfully navigate this internal crisis and emerge as a cohesive force, or if these tensions will continue to simmer, potentially leading to further fragmentation and a weakening of its political influence in Maharashtra.