Sunetra Pawar Assumes NCP Presidency Amid Growing Rift with Sharad Pawar Faction

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has formally assumed the presidency of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), succeeding her late husband Ajit Pawar. Her appointment marks the start of the 'Sunetra Parva,' signaling the party's intent to uphold Ajit Pawar's political legacy independently from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) faction. Senior NCP leaders expressed sharp criticism of Sharad Pawar's influence, indicating deepening divisions and diminishing prospects for a merger between the factions. Sunetra emphasized commitment to secular ideology inspired by reformers Shahu, Ambedkar, and Phule.