Maharashtra is set to witness a defining political moment today as Sunetra Pawar prepares to take oath as the state’s first-ever woman Deputy Chief Minister. The ceremony, scheduled for Saturday evening in Mumbai, marks a dramatic transition from personal loss to political responsibility following the sudden death of senior leader Ajit Pawar.
Just days after the state was shaken by Ajit Pawar’s fatal plane crash, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the ruling Mahayuti alliance moved swiftly to ensure leadership continuity. After intense internal deliberations, the party rallied behind Sunetra Pawar, projecting her as the face to carry forward Ajit Pawar’s political legacy.
Senior NCP leaders held a series of closed-door meetings with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to finalise the transition. The consensus, according to party insiders, was clear: Sunetra Pawar was seen as the most credible and unifying choice at a time when both the party and government needed stability.
Earlier today, NCP legislators are expected to formally elect Sunetra Pawar as the leader of the party’s legislative wing during a meeting at Vidhan Bhavan. This procedural step will clear the way for her induction into the state cabinet later in the day.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis signalled full support for the decision, stating that the government would respect and facilitate whatever decision the NCP takes. He also underlined that the ruling alliance stands firmly with Ajit Pawar’s family during this difficult period.
At 62, Sunetra Pawar brings experience from the national stage, currently serving as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament. Since she is not a member of the Maharashtra legislature, she is expected to contest the Baramati Assembly by-election, a seat long associated with the Pawar family’s political influence.
Political circles are also abuzz with speculation that her son, Parth Pawar, may be considered for her Rajya Sabha seat if she transitions fully into state politics.
Until recently, Sunetra Pawar largely stayed away from frontline politics, focusing instead on social and environmental initiatives. However, her formal political entry in 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter—one that has now rapidly accelerated following Ajit Pawar’s death.
In the new government setup, she is likely to be assigned portfolios such as Excise and Sports. The crucial Finance Department, earlier handled by Ajit Pawar, may remain with the Chief Minister for now, especially with the state budget session approaching in March.
