"No information about Sunetra Pawar's name for Deputy CM": Sharad Pawar

Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Sharad Pawar said that NCP Working President Praful Patel and MP Sunil Tatkare took the initiative to decide on the posts that fell vacant after Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash.

He said, "I have no information about it (Sunetra Pawar's name for the Deputy CM post). Her party must have decided. What I saw in the newspaper today: some names like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatakare who have taken the initiative to make some decisions."

Ajit Pawar, 66, died in a plane crash along with four others on Wednesday, after which his wife Sunetra Pawar is speculated to take up the vacant Deputy CM post. Maharashtra Minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said that the party has pitched Sunetra Pawar's name and asked CM Devendra Fadnavis if the swearing-in ceremony can take place today.

When asked about the haste to make political decisions immediately after Ajit Pawar's death, Sharad Pawar hinted that the decisions were being made by leaders in the Mahayuti government in Mumbai.

"If there is a problem in the family, the family stands together. There are no issues in the family... All these discussions are not taking place here; they are happening in Mumbai. Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and other senior leaders are having these discussions. Whatever is being seen appears to be decisions taken by them. I will not comment on this," he said.

When asked about an NCP meeting scheduled today in Mumbai, the NCP-SCP patriarch said, "It's their internal party matter."

He refused to join the NDA in case of a merger between the two NCP factions. Pawar said, "This is all going on your side (media). There is nothing like it here."

Remembering Ajit Pawar, his uncle Sharad Pawar said that he was a "capable and committed" leader.

He said, "Ajit Pawar was a capable and committed leader who truly worked for the people. He would thoroughly understand public issues and always worked to ensure that people received justice...The people of Baramati have always stood by him, and he never fell short when it came to his work and responsibilities. His passing away has deeply shocked all of us. The situation that has arisen after his demise calls upon us to move forward with strength. We must work to reduce the suffering of the people and continue the approach and values with which he served. I firmly believe that the new generation of his family will certainly carry forward his legacy and way of working."

Earlier, Bhujbal said that the party leaders have decided to give Sunetra Pawar's name as the legislative party leader and met with CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Ajit Pawar passed away on Wednesday when a chartered plane carrying him crashed-landed in Baramati. Among the deceased were his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots. (ANI)