NCP leaders meet Fadnavis; stake claim to Ajit Pawar's portfolios
What's the story
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders on Friday met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, staking claim to the portfolios of the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The meeting was held at Fadnavis's official residence, 'Varsha.' Senior NCP leaders Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and Chhagan Bhujbal attended the meeting. They are seeking to retain control of key cabinet positions in light of Pawar's sudden demise in a plane crash on Wednesday.
Portfolio claim
NCP likely to submit formal request for retention of portfolios
The NCP is likely to submit a formal request for the retention of crucial portfolios held by Pawar, including Finance, State Excise and Sports. After the meeting with Fadnavis, Patel said they want to fill Pawar's post soon but will consider public sentiment in their decision. "We are partners in the Mahayuti alliance... so we have to take the right decision to fill the post held by Ajit Pawar as soon as possible," he said.
Leadership vacuum
Legislative party meeting on Sunday to elect new leader
Pawar's untimely death has raised questions about the future leadership of the NCP. It has also revived speculation about a possible merger with Sharad Pawar's rival faction. The NCP will hold a legislative party meeting on Sunday, where Sunetra Pawar, Ajit's wife and Rajya Sabha MP, is likely to be elected as leader of the legislative party.
Presidential election
Reunion is expected in the second week of February
Sources told NDTV that the two NCP factions will be reuniting and a formal announcement is expected in the second week of February after the local body elections. Senior figures from both camps said Ajit had cleared the path for the unification by meeting with uncle Sharad many times in December and January. The sources further said that apart from Sharad, three others likely to lead the united NCP are Sunetra, Supriya Sule, and Praful Patel.