Digital New Guru Maharashtra Desk:
Sunetra Pawar Sworn In as Maharashtra’s Deputy CM
In a momentous and emotionally charged political development in Maharashtra, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state on January 31, 2026, marking a historic first — she is the first woman to hold this post in Maharashtra’s political history. The ceremony took place at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, with senior state and party leaders present, reflecting both political significance and a solemn tribute to her late husband, the former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, whose tragic death in a plane crash earlier this week created a sudden leadership vacancy.
This appointment comes just three days after Ajit Pawar’s untimely demise in a plane crash near Baramati on January 28, a shock that rippled across Maharashtra’s political landscape. Ajit Pawar had a long and influential political career, making Sunetra Pawar’s rapid political elevation both a tribute to his legacy and a strategic decision by the state’s ruling coalition.
Historic Occasion and Ceremony
The oath of office was administered by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, senior ministers, legislators, and party functionaries. The ceremony was marked by widespread public and political support, as well as chants of “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” from gathered supporters, symbolising the emotional weight of the moment.
Sunetra Pawar, 62, is a Rajya Sabha MP and has been active in social causes, particularly in rural development and education, though she largely maintained a low political profile until recent years. Her elevation is historic, not only because she is the first woman to become Deputy CM of Maharashtra, but also because she steps into a leadership role during a period of mourning and transition.
Political Context and Strategic Move
The decision to appoint Sunetra Pawar has been interpreted as a strategic move by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) — particularly the faction aligned with Ajit Pawar — to preserve political stability and continuity. Within days of Ajit Pawar’s death, party leaders moved to nominate his widow as the leader of the NCP’s legislative party, making her the natural choice for the Deputy CM post in the ruling coalition government in Maharashtra.
This decision pre-empted potential power struggles and ensured a seamless transition at the top level of the state government, strengthening the NCP’s position within the ruling alliance comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and Ajit Pawar’s NCP group.
Interestingly, senior NCP leader Sharad Pawar later stated that he was not informed about the swearing-in in advance, highlighting internal party dynamics and the complexity of decision-making in the wake of Ajit Pawar’s sudden death.
Emotional Undertones and Legacy
Sunetra Pawar’s first public statements after taking the oath reflected deep emotional resonance with her personal loss and public responsibility. She pledged to honour her husband’s legacy, stating her commitment to “fulfil the unfinished dreams” and work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. Her social media posts after the ceremony emphasised this sentiment, blending personal grief with political duty.
Her appointment came against the backdrop of immense respect for Ajit Pawar’s long political service. Pawar was a six-time Deputy Chief Minister and a key political figure in the state and national political landscape. The overwhelming public reaction at the ceremony, marked by slogans and emotional tributes, encapsulated both mourning and resolve.
Portfolios and Responsibilities
Following her swearing-in, Sunetra Pawar was assigned significant portfolios, including:
- State Excise Duty
- Sports and Youth Welfare
- Minorities Development and Aukaf
The distribution of portfolios underscores her role in socio-economic and cultural spheres of governance, while strategic departments like finance and planning remain with Chief Minister Fadnavis, crucial in the run-up to the state budget and legislative agenda.
Her responsibilities also align with her public service background, indicating a focus on grassroots development, minority outreach, and youth engagement — areas that could shape her tenure and public perception.
Reactions from Across the Political Spectrum
The response from political leaders was swift. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sunetra Pawar on her historic appointment and wished her success in serving Maharashtra’s people, reiterating confidence in her capabilities. Such national acknowledgment highlights the appointment’s significance beyond state boundaries and reflects political camaraderie amid changing leadership.
Local party leadership and allies also welcomed her elevation. Senior NCP figures like Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal played vital roles in advocating her nomination and attending the ceremony, signalling strong intra-party support.
Political Significance Going Forward
Sunetra Pawar’s ascent to one of the highest executive positions in Maharashtra comes at a crucial time for the state’s politics. With civic elections and policy challenges on the horizon, her leadership will be closely watched for how it influences governance cohesion, party unity, and policy priorities, especially in portfolios linked to social welfare and community engagement.
Her appointment also sets a notable precedent for women’s representation in Indian state politics, potentially inspiring greater female participation in leadership roles. As Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar’s tenure could redefine political expectations and broaden opportunities within the state’s political framework.
Conclusion
The swearing-in of Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister marks a blend of historic progress and emotional poignancy in the state’s political narrative. Her rise to leadership, following the sudden loss of her husband, reflects the resilience of political institutions and the strategic acumen of her party’s leadership. As she assumes office with clear portfolios and public support, the coming months will reveal how effectively she balances her mandate to uphold her husband’s legacy with the broader expectations of governance for Maharashtra’s diverse population.
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