Pune: NCP chief late Ajit Pawar‘s media and branding adviser, Naresh Arora, met Sunetra Pawar in Baramati on Friday, shortly before she decided to take on the role of deputy chief minister. Party sources said the meeting focused on discussions about NCP’s future strategy, including her pivotal move to accept the deputy CM position.“Soon after the meeting, Sunetra’s decision (to accept the role of deputy CM) was communicated to senior party members Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel in Mumbai, enabling them to proceed with the next steps,” a source said.Arora, known for his work in political campaign strategy, played a key role during the 2024 state assembly election for Ajit Pawar. A close aide of the late leader said, “Arora was working closely with Ajit Pawar for the past two years. His firm, Designboxed, was credited with shaping Ajit Pawar’s campaign, including the leader’s shift from formal grey attire to pink jackets, along with his social media presence, which resonated strongly with supporters.“The source said Arora shared a good rapport with his family and senior NCP members, frequently meeting them to discuss campaign strategy. “After Ajit Pawar’s last rites were held in Baramati on Thursday, internal discussions progressed swiftly. Party leaders approached Sunetra with a proposal for her to take up the deputy CM post and assured her of unanimous support from MLAs and key leaders. A second round of talks took place on Friday, followed by Arora’s meeting with Sunetra, which helped solidify her approval,” another source from the party said.Speaking to the media before the meeting, Arora said he had come to offer condolences and to stand with the family during this difficult time. He emphasised his close association not just with Ajit Pawar, but with the entire Pawar family.During the Pune Municipal Corporation election campaign, a crime branch team had visited Arora’s Pune office following a phone call they had received. The team, however, did not find anything suspicious. After the visit, Arora addressed the media, saying the police had come to his office, questioned a few employees and left shortly thereafter.Before working with Ajit Pawar, Arora and his firm had handled election campaigns for Congress.
