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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.)

Local dynastic politics at play

Current and ex-legislators’ campaign for their children, accompany children for rallies, hold meetings, oversee media campaigns

Mumbai: Shiv Sena candidate Jay Kudalkar while leaving for his campaign early morning is seen busy taking tips from his father, Mangesh Kudalkar, who is the legislator from Kurla. Similarly, Deepti Waikar, who is contesting from Ward number 73 (Andheri-East), makes it a point to meet her father, Ravindra Waikar, every night to share her experiences of her daylong campaign. Waikar is currently the MP from Mumbai North West constituency and a former state minister.


Mangesh denies any favouritism for the party nomination. “We had shortlisted three candidates for this seat number 169 and left the decision to Eknath Shinde. My son was selected based on feedback given by the party workers and the survey which was done,” he said.


Deepti attributes her decision to contest elections as a means to carry out her social work. “Our entire family has been engaged in social work for decades, and I used to handle my father’s election campaign. The BMC will give me a platform to serve the people effectively,” said Deepti, who is a practising advocate of the Bombay High Court.


Currently, around half a dozen children of current and past legislators are contesting the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is touted as a stepping stone for their political careers. All these legislators assert that their children have got tickets based on their merit and they have played no role in this selection.


These legislators are strategising the campaigns by planning roadshows, meeting office bearers of various outfits and housing societies and overseeing their media campaigns.


Former Shiv Sena legislator Sada Sarvankar has both his children facing the electoral battle in the Dadar-Prabhadevi belt. While his son Samadhan Sarvankar is fighting his second election, daughter Priya Sarvankar is making her electoral debut from ward number 191 against veteran politico and former mayor Vishaka Raut. Sarvankar denies that he was promoting his children. “This is a reserved seat for OBC women, and we had no suitable candidate here except Priya. She has been politically active for the last few years and has got the seat due to her winnability factor,” said Sarvankar. Priya says that her father has been her inspiration. “See the commendable developmental work he has done in the area. I just want to carry his legacy forward,” Priya stated.


‘Forced to Field’

Veteran Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinod Ghosalkar’s younger son, Saurabh Ghosalkar, has entered into the electoral fray from ward number 7 in Dahisar. His daughter-in-law Tejaswi is already in the fray from Ward number 2 as a BJP candidate. Vinod Ghosalkar claims he was forced to field his son from this ward. “Ward number 7 has been neglected for years, and people are fed up. It was the locals who requested me to field my son,” Vinod said. He stated that he is unable to go on a door-to-door campaign. “I hold meetings with small groups in societies and slum pockets,” he added.


Most of these legislators have cut their political teeth in the BMC and then graduated to become legislators.


Political analysts describe the situation as local dynasty politics at play. “Suppose tomorrow these legislators go to Lok Sabha or are denied a ticket to recontest, then their children can take their place. In addition, BMC is an ideal place to learn local politics as well as distribute favours to the electorate. “This experience is valuable for a long-term political career,” said political analyst Hemant Desai.


In Dindoshi, legislator Sunil Prabhu is undertaking a rally canvassing for his son Ankit, who aims to make his electoral debut from ward number 54 in Goregaon.


Meanwhile, Neil Somaiyya, son of former MLA Kirit Somaiyaa, and Akash Raj Purohit, son of former MLA Raj Purohit, are seeking their second terms from Mulund and Bhuleshwar, respectively. Incidentally, Goregaon legislator Vidya Thakur’s son Sagar, who was a corporator during the last term, was denied a ticket to contest by the BJP.

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