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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.)

Faultlines in the Sugar Belt

Tensions within the ruling Mahayuti portend a significant upheaval in the political landscape of Western Maharashtra.

CM Fadnavis with DCM Sunetra Pawar during the inauguration and unveiling of the foundation plaque of a cancer hospital in Pune. Pic: PTI
CM Fadnavis with DCM Sunetra Pawar during the inauguration and unveiling of the foundation plaque of a cancer hospital in Pune. Pic: PTI

Pune: In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Mahayuti had suffered a setback across the Western Maharashtra districts of Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Solapur. Had the seat-sharing arrangement within the rival Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) been executed more effectively during that election, the Mahayuti’s tally in this region would have been reduced to zero.


However, in the Assembly elections that year, the Mahayuti achieved resounding success in the region. Prominent Mahayuti stalwarts including the late Ajit Pawar, Chandrakant Patil, Dilip Walse Patil, Hasan Mushrif, Shambhuraje Desai, and Jaykumar Gore were elected from this region. Sharad Pawar’s then undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was rendered ineffective, and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan suffered a defeat.


Strained Relations

Currently, however, relations between Western Maharashtra and the Mahayuti’s constituent parties appear strained. During the election for the Satara Zilla Parishad (District Council) President, Shambhuraje Desai—a Shiv Sena leader and cabinet minister—was manhandled by the police themselves. This incident left Desai aggrieved and began to create a rift between the BJP and the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena. With an eye on the 2029 Assembly elections, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has undertaken a vigorous campaign to strengthen his party’s organizational structure. The BJP is closely watching the level of response and support that Shinde garners across Western Maharashtra.


Following the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, rapid developments have been unfolding within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, assumed the office of Deputy Chief Minister subsequent to his death and was subsequently elected as an MLA from the Baramati Assembly constituency. Her son, MP Parth Pawar, along with his brother Jay Pawar, has begun to tighten their grip on the party’s affairs. Consequently, a rift has emerged within the party, pitting the ‘old guard’ against the ‘new generation.’ NCP leader Rupali Chakankar became entangled in the ‘false godman’ Ashok Kharat scandal, compelling her to resign from the post of Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission - an episode that dealt a blow to the party’s image. Meanwhile, speaking at an event in Baramati, Jay Pawar declared that Sunetra Pawar is the “future Chief Minister.” He reiterated this declaration on two separate platforms. The BJP has taken this announcement seriously.


Firm Foothold

The BJP has successfully established a foothold in the urban areas of Western Maharashtra. However, as traditional voters begin to gravitate back toward the Congress, the BJP is compelled to focus its attention on the Congress’s activities in urban centers, while simultaneously monitoring the moves of the Pawar and Shinde factions in rural regions.


Caste-based agitations within the Hindu community have once again begun to rear their heads. Social issues—such as the recording of caste data in the census and the sub-categorization of reservations—have become subjects of intense public debate. Furthermore, the farming community in Western Maharashtra has suffered a severe economic blow due to the prevailing atmosphere of conflict in Muslim-majority nations; the likelihood of them recovering from this setback in the near future appears slim. Issues such as job instability within the IT sector are also beginning to come to the fore. Consequently, while navigating their own internal political dynamics, the ruling Mahayuti is simultaneously compelled to confront these pressing socio-economic challenges facing Western Maharashtra.


In Western Maharashtra, the battle ahead will not be fought merely over seats and alliances, but over who can steady an anxious society where caste, livelihood, and political loyalty are all beginning to shift at once.

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