New Delhi: In the wake of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's untimely death, a whirlwind of political maneuvering has engulfed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and its Sharad Pawar-led faction (NCP-SP). Yet, amid the frenzy, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken the high road, choosing to stay sensitively neutral out of deep respect for the departed leader. This deliberate restraint from BJP's senior leaders signals a maturity, indicating that they understand that no politicking in the face of such a poignant tragedy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has underscored this stance, affirming that the BJP will respect and support every decision the NCP makes. As speculation swirls - from selecting a new NCP legislature party leader and positioning Ajit Pawar's wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar, as Deputy CM, to whispers of a merger between the two NCP factions - the BJP's national leadership remains neutral. "It is improper to indulge in politics during this sorrowful and sudden loss," they assert. The authority to shape NCP's leadership in the Maharashtra Assembly and its governmental role rests squarely with the party itself. Whatever path the NCP chooses, the BJP pledges its honor and backing. This principled detachment extends to venerating Sharad Pawar as a senior statesman. The BJP respects his choices for his party, be it a potential NCP-SP merger or other matters. Ajit Pawar's void has left Maharashtra's government and politics hollow, prompting the NCP to accelerate moves that anointing Sunetra Pawar as legislature party leader and advancing her Deputy CM claim to signal intent. Conversely, Sharad Pawar and NCP-SP continue pushing merger talks, citing a January 16 meeting of senior leaders under Sharad and Ajit Pawar that allegedly greenlit unification for February 8. Merger buzz has bubbled for four to five months, yet no formal announcement materialized until recently, only for NCP veteran Praful Patel to clarify today that no such decision emerged from that meeting. Dynastic Skirmishes Tensions hint at a political clash between Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar; sources say Sharad voiced irritation over her ascent to legislature leader and Deputy CM contender. Dynastic skirmishes are par for the course in family-led parties, witness Sunetra's 2024 Lok Sabha defeat in Baramati to her sister-in-law NCP-SP's Supriya Sule. The BJP wisely seeks distance from this familial fray. Recent meetings between NCP seniors Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal with CM Fadnavis, twice yesterday and today, intensified talk of Sunetra as the next Deputy CM. Pressed on whether she might become Maharashtra's first female Deputy Chief Minister, Fadnavis responded crisply: "That's the NCP's call. We'll support it fully." As per sources, BJP's central office has directed all leaders to stay silent on NCP's leader selection, Deputy CM bid, or merger, deeming them internal affairs. In tribute to Ajit Pawar, the party commits to endorsing the NCP legislature party's choices. This is statesmanship at its finest that letting grief guide decorum over opportunism. In Maharashtra's cutthroat arena, the BJP's restraint could redefine political grace.
Comments