Mahayuti Backs NCP Decision on Deputy CM Post: Fadnavis

Mahayuti Backs NCP’s Call on Deputy CM Post
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the ruling Mahayuti alliance would support any decision taken by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) regarding the post of Deputy Chief Minister, amid reports that Sunetra Pawar is likely to be elevated to the role following the death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati.

Fadnavis Expresses Support for Pawar Family

Speaking to reporters after meeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Fadnavis said the decision rests solely with the NCP leadership. “The NCP will decide what is appropriate for the post of Deputy Chief Minister, and the BJP and the government will stand by that decision,” he said. He added that the Mahayuti alliance stands firmly with Ajit Pawar’s family during this difficult period.

NCP Leaders Hold Discussions with CM

Fadnavis said senior NCP leaders had met him on two occasions to discuss the available options for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post. However, he clarified that no formal proposal had been submitted so far.

Sunetra Pawar Likely to Take Oath

According to NCP sources, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP and wife of the late Ajit Pawar, has accepted the proposal and is expected to take oath as Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday evening. She is also likely to continue holding the Excise and Sports portfolios in the state government.

Finance Portfolio to Remain with CM for Now

The sources said the Finance portfolio will remain with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the time being, as the budget session is scheduled for March. The portfolio is expected to be handed over to the NCP at a later stage.

Budget Preparations Already Underway

On the preparation of the state budget, a responsibility earlier handled by Ajit Pawar as Finance Minister, Fadnavis said substantial groundwork had already been completed. “I will personally oversee the remaining procedures, and further decisions will be taken in due course,” he said.

Nagpur Civic Poll Results Discussed

Fadnavis also said he discussed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation election results with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, noting that the BJP had secured a clear majority. He added that a final decision on the mayor’s post would be taken collectively by party leaders and local MLAs.