Maharashtra politics witnessed an unexpected and emotional moment today as Sunetra Pawar, Rajya Sabha MP and the wife of late Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, stepped into a role no woman in the state has ever held before. She is set to be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister, marking a historic first for Maharashtra.

This dramatic political development comes just days after Ajit Pawar lost his life in a tragic plane crash near Baramati on January 28, sending shockwaves across the state’s political landscape. What began as a period of mourning has now turned into a major power shift within the ruling alliance.

The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for 5 pm at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, formerly known as Raj Bhavan. The Governor, who was out of Mumbai earlier in the day, is expected to arrive in the city by late afternoon to administer the oath.

Ahead of the formal ceremony, senior NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare visited Sunetra Pawar at Ajit Pawar’s official residence. Their meeting took place just before a crucial legislature party discussion planned for 2 pm at the Vidhan Bhavan office. Party insiders say this meeting is meant to formally project Sunetra Pawar as the new leader of the NCP legislature wing.

Confirming the move, senior NCP leader and minister Chhagan Bhujbal stated that the party’s legislators would unanimously back her name for both the leadership position and the deputy chief minister’s post.

After Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise, several leaders within the NCP had openly argued that the responsibility he carried in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government should remain within his family, especially at a time when the party is trying to maintain unity and stability.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also made it clear that the BJP would not interfere in the NCP’s internal decision. Speaking in Nagpur, he said, “Whatever decision the NCP and Ajit Dada’s family take, we will stand by it. The government and the BJP are fully supporting them during this difficult time.”

Ajit Pawar’s death has reduced the NCP’s strength in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly to 40. He represented the Baramati constituency, a seat long considered the party’s stronghold.

Meanwhile, ongoing discussions about a possible reunion between the NCP and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) faction are expected to be paused. Party leaders say the immediate focus is on filling the leadership vacuum and ensuring smooth governance rather than exploring mergers.