Baramati: Veteran political leader Sharad Pawar said Saturday he has no official knowledge regarding the reported elevation of his niece-in-law, Sunetra Pawar, to the post of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, following the death of his nephew Ajit Pawar.

Speaking to reporters in the family stronghold of Baramati, the NCP chief indicated that the decision-making process is being driven by a separate faction of the party based in Mumbai.

"I have no information about it," Sharad Pawar said, referring to the speculation that Sunetra Pawar would succeed her husband in the state cabinet. "Her party must have decided. What I saw in the newspaper today: some names like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare who have taken the initiative to make some decisions."

The 66-year-old Ajit Pawar, who served as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister, was killed in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday along with four others. His death has triggered a rapid political reshuffle within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Senior party leader Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed Friday that the NCP has formally proposed Sunetra Pawar's name to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the vacant post.

When questioned about the speed of these political manoeuvres during the family’s period of mourning, the senior Pawar distanced himself from the deliberations.

"If there is a problem in the family, the family stands together. There are no issues in the family," he stated. "All these discussions are not taking place here; they are happening in Mumbai. Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and other senior leaders are having these discussions. Whatever is being seen appears to be decisions taken by them. I will not comment on this."

The veteran leader also dismissed rumours of an imminent merger between his faction and the group led by his late nephew, which would have required him to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). "This is all going on your side (media). There is nothing like it here," he told reporters.

Reflecting on his nephew’s political career, Sharad Pawar described the late leader as "capable and committed," praising his connection to the electorate.

"Ajit Pawar was a capable and committed leader who truly worked for the people," he said. "He would thoroughly understand public issues and always worked to ensure that people received justice... The situation that has arisen after his demise calls upon us to move forward with strength. I firmly believe that the new generation of his family will certainly carry forward his legacy."

NCP legislators are scheduled to meet in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon to formally elect Sunetra Pawar as their legislative party leader, with a swearing-in ceremony potentially taking place by the evening.

With inouts from PTI