Sunetra Pawar: Set to Take Oath as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister
Sunetra Pawar: a sitting Rajya Sabha member, is expected to be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra following the death of her husband, senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar, in a tragic plane crash near Baramati. The development marks a significant moment in the state’s political landscape, coming amid grief, internal party discussions, and shifting alliances.
After the completion of Ajit Pawar’s last rites, Sunetra Pawar returned to Mumbai with her family on Saturday. She was accompanied by her son, Parth Pawar, as she arrived at Devgiri, the official south Mumbai residence that had served as her late husband’s home during his political career.
Family Returns to Mumbai After Funeral Ceremonies
The Pawar family’s arrival in Mumbai came shortly after funeral rituals were held in Baramati, Ajit Pawar’s political stronghold. The solemn return reflected a period of mourning, even as political activity surrounding the family intensified. Devgiri, a residence closely associated with Ajit Pawar’s tenure in Maharashtra politics, has since become the focal point for both personal visitors and political leaders offering condolences.
Sunetra Pawar has largely remained away from public political negotiations during this period, focusing instead on family matters following the sudden loss.
Political Developments Within the Nationalist Congress Party
In the wake of Ajit Pawar’s death, discussions regarding the future direction of the Nationalist Congress Party gained momentum. Talks of a possible reconciliation or merger between the NCP and the faction led by Sharad Pawar resurfaced, with political observers closely tracking internal deliberations.
However, sources within the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the NCP, as well as members of the Pawar family, stated that they were not informed about any decision by Sunetra Pawar to align with the BJP-led Mahayuti government. These sources indicated that neither the party leadership nor close family members had prior knowledge of her political move.
BJP Signals Support for Pawar Family’s Decisions
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the situation by stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party would stand by the decisions taken by Ajit Pawar’s family and the NCP leadership. His remarks were seen as an attempt to project stability within the ruling alliance during a sensitive political moment.
The BJP-led Mahayuti government currently includes multiple coalition partners, and Sunetra Pawar’s induction is expected to strengthen the alliance while also reshaping power equations within the NCP.
Election as Legislature Party Leader and Historic Oath
Despite being 62 years old, Sunetra Pawar is not currently a member of either house of the Maharashtra legislature. To facilitate her appointment, she is scheduled to be elected as the leader of the legislature wing of the Nationalist Congress Party during a meeting in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon.
Once sworn in, she will become Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, a milestone that adds historical significance to her elevation. Party leaders have described the move as both symbolic and strategic, aimed at ensuring continuity within the NCP while honoring Ajit Pawar’s political legacy.
Finance Portfolio to Remain With Chief Minister Temporarily
According to senior NCP sources, the Finance portfolio will remain with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the time being. With the state’s budget session scheduled for March, the arrangement is expected to ensure administrative continuity during a critical fiscal period.
After the budget session concludes, the Finance department is likely to be handed over to the Nationalist Congress Party, in line with prior power-sharing understandings within the coalition government.
Sunetra Pawar’s formal entry into executive leadership is expected to bring a new chapter for both her family and Maharashtra politics, balancing personal loss with public responsibility.