Sunetra Pawar Nominated for Rajya Sabha Bypoll: NCP Makes Strategic Move

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, has strategically nominated Sunetra Pawar for the upcoming Rajya Sabha bypoll on June 25. This move comes after the seat fell vacant following the resignation of Praful Patel in February. The ruling coalition known as ‘Mahayuti‘, consisting of Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde, Bharatiya Janata Party, and NCP, aims to ensure an unopposed election for Pawar.

Sunetra Pawar, who recently faced defeat in the Lok Sabha elections from Baramati against Supriya Sule, daughter of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, is now set to enter the Rajya Sabha. Her nomination is seen as a strategic move by the Ajit Pawar faction to strengthen its position against the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction in Baramati ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections later this year.

In a surprising twist, Sunetra Pawar’s entry into Parliament is viewed as a means of political rehabilitation after her loss in Baramati. This move also follows the unsuccessful electoral campaigns of Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar, who faced defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. With Sunetra Pawar’s nomination, the NCP aims to consolidate its position and sway in the region.

Despite speculation and aspirants like Chhagan Bhujbal vying for the Rajya Sabha seat, the party unanimously chose Sunetra Pawar’s candidature. The decision, made after core committee discussions, intends to align the NCP’s interests and prepare for the upcoming political challenges in Maharashtra.