Mumbai: In a historic moment for Maharashtra politics, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister on Friday, becoming the first woman ever to hold the post. The oath of office was administered by the Maharashtra Governor at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior political leaders.
Sunetra Pawar’s elevation follows the untimely death of her husband, former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in a tragic plane crash earlier this week. Earlier in the day, the NCP legislature party unanimously elected her as its leader. Senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal proposed her name, which was endorsed by all party MLAs without dissent.
While Sunetra has assumed charge as Deputy Chief Minister, uncertainty remains over whether Sunetra Pawar will also take over as the party’s national president. Political circles are closely watching her next moves as she steps into a role that carries both administrative responsibility and symbolic significance.
Sources suggest that the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Sunetra Pawar may be allotted to her elder son, Parth Pawar. Sunetra has six months to secure a seat in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, likely through a by-election from Baramati.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Finance portfolio previously held by Ajit Pawar may not be assigned to her. Following his demise, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken temporary charge of the Finance Ministry and is expected to present the upcoming state budget.
Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in marks a new chapter in Maharashtra’s political history, reflecting both continuity and change in the state’s leadership landscape.
