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

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

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.

Only recently, a legal challenge was mounted against Sunetra Pawar’s appointment as the party’s national president, alleging that the organisational changes were not in accordance with the party constitution. While the NCP has dismissed the petition, the episode has kept the spotlight firmly on the party’s internal functioning and the process through which leadership decisions are being taken.

The fresh reports of Sunetra Pawar questioning Tatkare over his meeting with Fadnavis are likely to add another chapter to that debate.

Jayant Patil’s Meetings Add Another Twist

The political buzz has been amplified by developments outside the Ajit Pawar-led NCP as well.

Late on Thursday, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Jayant Patil met deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, days after his separate meeting with Fadnavis had sparked speculation about possible political realignments.

While neither side has disclosed what transpired during the meetings, the back-to-back interactions with the BJP and Shiv Sena leadership have inevitably led to fresh speculation over whether Sharad Pawar’s camp is exploring new equations or simply keeping communication channels open.

A Party At The Centre Of Maharashtra’s Political Churn

Taken individually, each of these meetings can be explained as routine political engagement. But viewed together, they point to a period of intense activity within and around the NCP.

Within the ruling NCP, questions are being raised over leadership, coordination and the party’s bargaining power within the Mahayuti government, with the finance portfolio emerging as an immediate test of its influence.

Outside the party, Jayant Patil’s meetings with both Fadnavis and Shinde have only added to speculation about Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape.

For now, none of the leaders involved has indicated that any major political realignment is imminent. Yet, with internal leadership questions lingering, negotiations over key portfolios continuing and senior leaders holding separate meetings with the BJP leadership, the NCP once again finds itself at the centre of Maharashtra’s political conversation.

About the Author

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @...Read More

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