Maharashtra Politics: Who Will Be New Deputy CM After Ajit Pawar's Demise?

• The untimely demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has sparked discussions about the future of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the potential merger of its two factions.
• Praful Patel and MP Sunil Tatkare met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the vacant Deputy Chief Minister's post.
• Sources indicate that the primary focus of discussions with CM Fadnavis was on appointing a new Deputy Chief Minister, with a legislative wing meeting to be convened soon.
• Speculation includes Sunetra Pawar as a potential candidate for Deputy CM, though no names are officially being discussed yet.
• Questions arise about the accommodation of Sunetra Pawar by Sharad Pawar's NCP and whether leaders like Praful Patel will accept Supriya Sule's leadership amidst merger talks.

Why It Matters: Ajit Pawar's death triggers intense political discussions on NCP's future, leadership, and the next Deputy CM.