Mumbai

The Maharashtra State Legislature members of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are scheduled to meet on Saturday afternoon to elect the leader of the Legislature Party, with Sunetra Pawar, widow of the late Ajit Pawar, expected to be chosen, party leaders said.

Following the meeting, NCP legislators will present an official letter to the Chief Minister for the final approval of the appointment.

Ajit Pawar, 66, passed away in a plane crash along with four others on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media, NCP State President Sunil Tatkare said, “Our legislature party members will convene at 2 PM today to elect the Group leader. We hope that, keeping in mind public sentiment, Sunetra Pawar will be elected. After that, NCP members will meet the Chief Minister with an official letter for a decision.”

Tatkare added that NCP MLAs, MPs, and senior leaders have reached a collective decision in favour of Sunetra Pawar, and further details will be shared following the legislature party meeting.

He also referenced a video of a past meeting in Baramati during an agriculture exhibition, noting that Ajit Pawar had himself held a press conference to discuss local body elections and shared the details with journalists at the time.

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NCP MLA Pramod Hindurao confirmed that all party members are in support of Sunetra Pawar taking on the leadership role. “The legislative party will meet at 2 PM, where the decision will be formalised. Everyone wants Sunetra Pawar to assume this responsibility, after which the necessary process and oath-taking will follow. Party workers are eager for her to accept the position promptly,” Hindurao said.