What next for NCP after Ajit Pawar’s death? Party leaders seek cabinet for Sunetra, rivals talk of merger Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders also suggested that Sunetra Pawar should step forward and lead the outfit, which is a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti alliance led by the BJP. Mumbai:The Maharashtra cabinet might see a reshuffle after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash on Wednesday as the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) leaders seek cabinet berth for Sunetra Pawar and the rival faction talks of merger. During the time of his death, Ajit Pawar was in control of the departments of Finance, Planning and State Excise. At this time, Ajit Pawar’s death has led to several questions surrounding the future of NCP.