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By:

Abhijit Joshi

31 August 2024 at 10:09:24 am

Sunetra Pawar’s Trial by Fire

The greatest challenge before Maharashtra’s first Deputy CM is not merely to govern, but to forge a political identity that is unmistakably her own. Politics often rewards the loudest voice. The modern political arena thrives on sharp sound bites, relentless television appearances and instant responses on social media. Yet, some leaders begin their journey not with thunder but with quiet resolve. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar finds herself at precisely such a moment. In...

Sunetra Pawar’s Trial by Fire

The greatest challenge before Maharashtra’s first Deputy CM is not merely to govern, but to forge a political identity that is unmistakably her own. Politics often rewards the loudest voice. The modern political arena thrives on sharp sound bites, relentless television appearances and instant responses on social media. Yet, some leaders begin their journey not with thunder but with quiet resolve. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar finds herself at precisely such a moment. In recent days, she has been drawn into an avoidable political controversy after the Maharashtra Congress dubbed her as “Gungi Gudiya” (“mute doll”) following a media interaction in which she chose not to answer journalists' questions. The remark quickly snowballed into a wider debate about the language used against women occupying high constitutional office. It also revived memories of the same epithet once directed at late Congress Prime Minister Indira Gandhi before she went on to become one of India’s most formidable political figures. Until recently, Sunetra Pawar remained largely outside the glare of frontline politics. She was better known in Baramati for her work in education, healthcare and social welfare than for fiery speeches or electoral campaigns. Her public image was that of a composed, private individual who preferred institution-building to political theatre. Political Limelight That changed in 2024 when she entered electoral politics, contesting the Lok Sabha election from Baramati against her sister-in-law, Supriya Sule. Though unsuccessful, she later entered Parliament through the Rajya Sabha, where she quietly focused on organisational responsibilities and social initiatives rather than cultivating a high-profile parliamentary persona. The defining moment came in January this year with the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, one of the state’s most experienced and influential political leaders. His passing created a political vacuum within the Nationalist Congress Party. At a moment of uncertainty, Sunetra Pawar stepped forward to shoulder responsibilities that few had imagined she would inherit so soon. Within days, she became Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister - a milestone in the state’s political history. But such transitions are rarely straightforward. Political parties often struggle when towering personalities disappear, and observers had predicted that the NCP might witness internal divisions. Maintaining organisational cohesion during a leadership transition is itself a considerable achievement, particularly in a state where political loyalties are often fluid and intensely personalised. However, much of the public conversation around Sunetra Pawar continues to be framed through comparisons with Ajit Pawar. The contrast is obvious. Ajit Pawar was known for his decisiveness, administrative grip and unmistakable public presence. Sunetra Pawar, by contrast, has generally remained soft-spoken, measured and reluctant to engage in unnecessary confrontation. Her supporters see restraint, dignity and maturity but critics see hesitation and insufficient public engagement. Neither assessment is entirely unfair. That is why the recent Beed incident acquired significance beyond a routine press interaction. When reporters sought her comments on law and order and she chose to leave without responding, the political vacuum was quickly filled by her opponents. The Congress’s “Gungi Gudiya” remark predictably provoked protests from the NCP and criticism from leaders across the ruling alliance, many of whom argued that such language diminished the dignity of a woman holding one of the state’s highest offices. Sunetra Pawar’s own response was notably restrained. She said she would offer a “fitting reply at the appropriate time.” The remark was consistent with the temperament she has displayed since entering public life. Leadership is ultimately judged not only by composure but also by visibility. Every major political figure eventually reaches a point where inherited legitimacy must give way to earned authority. Indira Gandhi had to step beyond Jawaharlal Nehru's towering legacy before she was recognised in her own right. Rajiv Gandhi, too, had to emerge from the shadow of Indira Gandhi while navigating extraordinary political circumstances. Their journeys were shaped by vastly different contexts, but they illustrate a universal truth: every successor must eventually become an original. Sunetra Pawar now confronts a similar, though far more modest, challenge. She must cease to be viewed primarily as “Ajit Pawar's wife” and come into her own. Distinct Identity That transformation cannot be achieved through symbolism alone. After all, lasting political stature is built through decisions, administrative outcomes and public confidence. To her credit, she has remained engaged with governance, regularly attending official programmes, reviewing development projects and interacting with citizens instead of chasing daily headlines. Yet the next stage of leadership demands something more. She will need to engage more confidently with the media, articulate her government's priorities in her own voice, and establish an administrative record that reflects independent judgement rather than inherited expectations. These are demanding tasks, but they are neither unusual nor unattainable. It is still too soon to measure Sunetra Pawar’s political legacy. She assumed responsibility at a moment when both her party and the state were adjusting to an unexpected transition, and has so far navigated that passage with composure. Yet political inheritance has a limited shelf life. While quietness, in itself, is neither a virtue nor a weakness, it acquires meaning only when it is accompanied by clarity and conviction. If Sunetra Pawar is to leave an enduring imprint on Maharashtra's politics, it will not be by echoing the style of Ajit Pawar or by answering every taunt from her opponents. It will be by developing a public voice that reflects her own instincts, her own priorities and, ultimately, her own leadership. (The writer is a political observer. Views personal.)

A Six-Decade Political Journey Untainted by a Single Stain

Veteran Congress leader and former union home minister Shivraj Patil Chakurkar, a towering figure in national politics for over six decades, passed away on Friday morning at 6.05 am at his residence, ‘Devghar,’ in Latur at the age of 91.


Known as a close confidant of the Gandhi family, Shivraj Patil Chakurkar stood apart in national politics for one rare quality: absolute integrity. In a political career spanning 60 years, he carried no allegations, no scandals, and no hint of corruption. His spotless public life became the defining feature of his statesmanship. With his passing, a six-decade chapter of clean and principled politics comes to an end. After stepping down as the governor of Punjab, he had withdrawn from active politics, choosing a quiet and dignified life away from the public glare.


Born on 12 October 1935 in Chakur in Latur district, Shivraj Patil began his political journey as municipal council chief of Latur (1966–1970) and was elected as MLA in 1972–1980, as a Lok Sabha MP, as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and as Union Minister for Defence, Commerce, and Science & Technology, and later as Union Home Minister (2004–2008). He also served as Governor of Punjab (2010–2015).


He had arrived in Latur from Delhi. He suddenly took ill. His condition deteriorated rapidly despite continuous treatment by his family physician and a team of experts at his residence, ‘Devghar.’ His health worsened after, and he eventually breathed his last at his home on Friday at 6.05 am.


Patil is survived by his son, Shailesh Patil; daughter-in-law, Archana, a BJP leader who contested the assembly election but lost to Congress MLA Amit Deshmukh; and two granddaughters.


No Misconduct

In political controversy, Shivraj Patil Chakurkar remained extraordinary. Not once in his 60-year political career was he tainted by allegations of corruption, misconduct, or factional politics. Known for his dignified conduct, he never indulged in personal attacks, neither in public speeches nor in private conversations.


Despite facing political opposition and even orchestrated defeats, Shivraj Patil never responded with bitterness. In the 2004 Lok Sabha election, he was defeated by BJP’s Rupatai Patil Nilangekar.


Though a Lingayat by community, Patil never allowed caste identity to define his politics. His leadership was accepted across communities, especially among Muslims in Latur, who held him in high regard until his final days.


His command over Marathi, English, and Hindi, along with his exceptional grasp of constitutional matters, made him one of the most respected parliamentarians of his time. Patil was known for his vast reading, meticulous study, and articulate presentation. He embodied secular values—not just in speech but in action. His demise leaves a void of a statesman who represented calm, civility, and constitutional dignity.


Shivraj Patil Chakurkar’s passing marks the end of an era in Latur’s political history, an era where leadership meant dignity, restraint, honesty, and service.


A spotless journey from municipal council chief to governor, untouched by caste politics or corruption, now remains a lasting tribute to a rare statesman. He had denied medical treatment for the last 15 days.


According to family sources, the last rites will be performed on Saturday, December 13, at 11 am. The funeral will take place at Warwati, behind the Latur MIDC area, on the outskirts of the city.


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