Mumbai, Jan. 29 -- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's sudden demise has thrown the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) into a leadership crisis, with his wife Sunetra Pawar emerging as a potential contender to lead the party.

Sunetra, a Rajya Sabha MP, has been active in politics and is seen as a strong candidate to take over the reins.

The party is also considering other leaders like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare to share responsibilities.

The NCP is at a critical juncture, with the recent merger talks between the two factions (NCP and NCP-SP) gaining momentum. Ajit Pawar had been working towards reunifying the party, and his passing has created uncertainty.

Sharad Pawar, the founder of NCP, has indicated his intention to ret...