Sunetra Pawar's Litmus Test, Finance Portfolio And Fadnavis Meetings: Inside NCP's New Power Play

Published 17 July 2026 · politics

Sunetra Pawar's Litmus Test, Finance Portfolio And Fadnavis Meetings: Inside NCP's New Power Play Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 08:02 IST

Sunetra Pawar's Litmus Test, Finance Portfolio And Fadnavis Meetings: Inside NCP's New Power Play Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 08:02 IST With internal leadership questions, negotiations over portfolios and seniors holding separate meetings with BJP, NCP once again finds itself at the centre of Maharashtra's politics Rapid Read (From Left) Sunetra Pawar, Sharad Pawar, and Devendra Fadnavis. The Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) internal fault lines have come back into focus after a series of high-profile meetings involving its senior leaders triggered fresh questions over the party’s leadership, coordination and its equations within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The latest round of speculation began after NCP national president Sunetra Pawar sought an explanation from Maharashtra unit chief Sunil Tatkare over his recent meeting with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Even as Tatkare dismissed any controversy, saying the meeting was only to discuss development works in his Raigad constituency, it has coincided with the party’s push to reclaim the finance portfolio, separate meetings between NCP leaders and the chief minister, and fresh political buzz surrounding Sharad Pawar camp leader Jayant Patil’s interactions with top NDA leaders. Together, the developments have reignited speculation over both the NCP’s internal dynamics and the shifting political equations in Maharashtra. Sunetra Questions Tatkare Over Fadnavis Meeting The latest flashpoint centres on Tatkare’s meeting with Fadnavis, which was also attended by senior NCP leader Praful Patel. Sources said Sunetra Pawar, who took over as the NCP’s national president after Ajit Pawar’s death, sought an explanation from Tatkare over the meeting, raising questions over whether senior leaders were bypassing the party chief while engaging directly with the BJP leadership. Tatkare, however, rejected any suggestion of a political rift.

He maintained that the meeting was solely to discuss development proposals for his Raigad Lok Sabha constituency and asserted that there was no requirement to inform the party president about such an interaction. His remarks have nevertheless fuelled speculation over the chain of command within the party at a time when Sunetra Pawar is seeking to consolidate her leadership. Finance Portfolio Back On NCP’s Agenda The controversy has unfolded alongside the NCP’s renewed efforts to regain the finance portfolio in the Maharashtra government. The department was earlier held by Ajit Pawar. Following his demise, Fadnavis retained the portfolio temporarily to present the state Budget. Several weeks later, however, the finance department continues to remain with the chief minister. According to sources, the NCP has stepped up its demand for the ministry’s return, viewing it as a key portfolio befitting its position in the Mahayuti government. Sources also indicate that Sunetra Pawar is expected to meet Fadnavis in the coming days, with the Finance Department likely to be among the principal issues on the agenda. Parth Pawar Also Meets Fadnavis Adding another dimension to the developments, NCP MP Parth Pawar also held a meeting with Fadnavis. Sources said Parth reiterated the party’s demand for the finance portfolio to be handed back to the NCP. He is also learnt to have conveyed his concern that some senior party leaders were meeting the chief minister without informing Sunetra Pawar, reinforcing reports of unease over internal coordination. The meeting has further strengthened the perception that multiple power centres continue to exist within the party despite the leadership transition. Leadership Questions Refuse To Die Down The latest developments come against the backdrop of an ongoing debate over the NCP’s leadership.