Mumbai: In a historic political development, Sunetra Pawar, wife of late NCP stalwart Ajit Pawar, is set to become the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Reports say the swearing-in ceremony will take place today at 5 pm. The decision follows a formal request from the party leadership, to which Sunetra Pawar has given her consent. The NCP Legislature Party will meet today at 2 pm ahead of the ceremony.
At 63, Sunetra Pawar—currently a Rajya Sabha MP—will script history by becoming the first woman to hold the post of Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra. Despite belonging to one of the state’s most powerful political families, she had largely stayed away from frontline politics until recently. The unexpected demise of Ajit Pawar, however, propelled her into the centre of the NCP’s leadership.
Earlier today, senior NCP leaders held discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, after which Sunetra Pawar was approached to take over the key constitutional post.
Sources indicate that she may also contest the Baramati by-election and subsequently be elevated as the leader of the NCP Legislature Party. Senior NCP minister Narhari Zirwal had earlier publicly proposed Sunetra Pawar’s name for the Deputy CM’s post. There is also talk within party circles of fielding Ajit Pawar’s elder son, Parth Pawar, for the Rajya Sabha seat that Sunetra Pawar is expected to vacate.
Ajit Pawar’s passing triggered intense political deliberations within the NCP, including discussions on leadership succession, the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, and the long-speculated merger with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction. Close aides revealed that Ajit Pawar had been keen on reunifying the two factions and had initiated talks toward that goal.
Senior NCP leader Jayant Patil confirmed that on January 17, Ajit Pawar had visited Sharad Pawar’s residence at Govind Baug to discuss party reunification. According to Patil, Ajit Pawar’s vision was for both factions to contest local body elections together, followed by a final decision on reunification.
Narhari Zirwal, known for his close association with Ajit Pawar and cordial ties with Sharad Pawar, played a pivotal role in the merger discussions. Political observers note that party MLAs are likely to favour a Maratha leader for the post of Legislature Party leader, adding further significance to Sunetra Pawar’s elevation.
With her imminent swearing-in, Sunetra Pawar not only steps into a position of power but also marks a defining moment for women’s representation in Maharashtra’s political history.
