NCP Likely to Nominate Parth Pawar for Rajya Sabha Seat in Maharashtra

Mumbai: In a significant political development, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is reportedly preparing to nominate Parth Pawar, son of senior leader Ajit Pawar, to the Rajya Sabha. Party insiders indicate that the decision has been nearly finalised ahead of the upcoming Upper House elections.

Rajya Sabha Math Favors NDA

Polling for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across multiple states is scheduled for March 16. In Maharashtra, seven seats are falling vacant, including that of veteran leader Sharad Pawar. With Members of the Legislative Assembly casting votes in the Rajya Sabha elections, the numbers appear to strongly favour the ruling alliance.

Following the NDA’s sweeping performance in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, six of the seven seats from the state are expected to go to alliance partners. The Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to secure three seats, while two may go to Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. The remaining seat within the alliance quota is expected to be allotted to the NCP, with Parth Pawar emerging as the frontrunner.

Parth Pawar’s Political Journey

Parth Pawar had earlier contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election from the Maval constituency but was defeated by Shrirang Barne of the then undivided Shiv Sena. In recent months, his name surfaced in connection with a land-related controversy in Pune’s Mundhwa area. However, no formal case was registered against him, and no punitive action was recommended after preliminary scrutiny.

If nominated and elected, a Rajya Sabha berth would mark a major comeback for the young leader and signal the NCP’s intent to promote a new generation within the party structure.

Leadership Changes in Baramati

Meanwhile, political developments continue in Baramati following the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier this year. The Assembly seat he represented for multiple consecutive terms has fallen vacant, paving the way for a by-election.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, who is currently not a member of either House of the state legislature, is expected to contest the upcoming Baramati bypoll to retain her constitutional position. Sources suggest she may also soon take over as the national president of the NCP, consolidating leadership within the party after recent political shifts.