The meeting took place at the Chief Minister’s official residence, Varsha, in south Mumbai. It lasted for nearly one and a half hours. Senior leaders present included Chhagan Bhujbal, NCP national working president Praful Patel, State president Sunil Tatkare, and former minister Dhananjay Munde, sources said.

According to party insiders, the leaders discussed the future course of the NCP after Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise. They also reviewed the impact of his death on the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the NCP.

However, neither side issued an official statement after the meeting. As a result, the details of the discussions remain unclear.

Meanwhile, political speculation has intensified. NCP Minister Narhari Zirwal had publicly stated on Thursday (January 29, 2026) that Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, should take over as Deputy Chief Minister. Sunetra Pawar currently serves as a Rajya Sabha member. The Chief Minister’s Office has not commented on this suggestion so far.

A close associate of Ajit Pawar revealed that he strongly supported the merger of the two NCP factions. According to the associate, discussions on reunification had reached an advanced stage and could have concluded soon.

Ajit Pawar, aged 66, died in a tragic plane crash on Wednesday (January 28, 2026). The chartered aircraft crashed in Baramati, Pune district, killing Pawar and four others. Leaders and supporters cremated him with full state honours on Thursday.

Ajit Pawar’s death marks a turning point for the NCP and could significantly shape Maharashtra’s political landscape in the coming days.

The post Ajit Pawar’s Death: NCP Leaders Meet CM Fadnavis Amid Party Uncertainty appeared first on India Podcast.

According to election officials, the unopposed victories occurred after no rival candidates remained in the fray once the deadline for withdrawal concluded. The counting of votes for the remaining seats will take place on January 16.

The unopposed wins have sparked political debate, as opposition parties raised concerns over democratic competition. However, leaders from the ruling alliance described the outcome as a sign of public support and organisational strength at the grassroots level.

Officials from the State Election Commission said the electoral process continues smoothly for the remaining wards where contests are in place. Preparations for polling are underway, including deployment of polling staff, security arrangements, and voter awareness initiatives.

The municipal corporation elections hold significant political importance, as they shape urban governance across Maharashtra. Civic bodies play a vital role in managing public services such as water supply, sanitation, roads, and urban infrastructure.

The Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP and its partners, has focused its campaign on development, infrastructure growth, and administrative reforms. Meanwhile, opposition parties have intensified outreach efforts in contested wards to mobilise voters.

Election officials reiterated that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure free and fair polling. They urged eligible voters to participate actively in the democratic process.

The Maharashtra municipal corporation elections are being closely watched, as the results are expected to influence the state’s political landscape ahead of future Assembly and parliamentary contests.

The post Maharashtra Civic Polls: 68 Mahayuti Candidates Win Unopposed Ahead of January 15 Voting appeared first on India Podcast.

Shiv Sena minister Pratap Sarnaik acknowledged that there was “clear displeasure” within the party over recent political inductions, especially in Dombivli and Kalyan. However, fellow minister Uday Samant downplayed speculation of a boycott, stating that the ministers had personal commitments and health-related reasons for being absent from the meeting.

Following the cabinet session, the Sena ministers met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and expressed concerns over the BJP’s alleged attempts to poach their workers. However, Fadnavis reportedly reminded them that the Sena too had previously absorbed BJP members in Ulhasnagar. He emphasised that alliance partners should refrain from inducting each other’s office-bearers going forward to maintain stability.

Sarnaik later said the meeting with the CM resolved the issue in “just 10 minutes,” adding that differences were natural in a coalition of three parties. According to him, both sides accepted that misunderstandings had occurred due to the competitive atmosphere ahead of local body polls.

Despite this, opposition leaders seized the opportunity to highlight friction within the ruling camp. Aaditya Thackeray accused the Shinde-led Sena of skipping the cabinet for “selfish political reasons,” calling it an insult to the people of Maharashtra. Sena (UBT) leaders Ambadas Danve and Chandrakant Khaire also alleged deepening divisions within the Mahayuti alliance.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, however, maintained that he sensed no discontent during the cabinet meeting, attributing the absences to election-related work and personal schedules.

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