Sunetra Pawar sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman deputy chief minister days after Ajit Pawar’s tragic death

Sunetra Pawar, 62, was sworn in as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra on Saturday, becoming the first woman to hold the post in the state’s history. Her elevation, however, comes under deeply tragic circumstances, just three days after the death of her husband and veteran NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash on January 28.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at Lok Bhavan and was administered by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat. The event was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena, both allies of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which Sunetra Pawar represents.

Supporters and party workers gathered outside the venue, raising emotional slogans such as “Ajit dada amar rahe” and “Vahini saheb aage badho, hum tumhare saath hain,” reflecting both grief and solidarity with the new deputy CM. The moment marked not only a political milestone but also a symbolic passing of leadership within one of Maharashtra’s most influential political families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sunetra Pawar on social media, calling her appointment historic and expressing confidence in her leadership. In his message, he said she would work tirelessly for the welfare of Maharashtra and carry forward the vision of the late Ajit Pawar.

Until recently, Sunetra Pawar had largely stayed away from active politics. Her first major political test came during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when she contested from the high-profile Baramati constituency as the NCP candidate. The contest turned into a prestige battle within the Pawar family, as she faced her sister-in-law Supriya Sule of the NCP (SP). Sunetra was defeated in that election but later entered Parliament through the Rajya Sabha, marking her formal entry into national politics.

Born to Padamsinh Bajirao Patil, a former Maharashtra minister, Sunetra Pawar has long been associated with social work and the cooperative sector, areas where the Pawar family wields considerable influence. Academically, she holds a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, a background that sets her apart from many traditional politicians.

Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, the NCP formally elected Sunetra Pawar as its legislature party leader. Senior party leaders, including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and Chhagan Bhujbal, submitted the letter of support to Chief Minister Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha. The chief minister subsequently forwarded the letter to the governor, paving the way for her appointment.

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Sunetra Pawar’s induction into the state’s top leadership is being seen as both a tribute to Ajit Pawar’s political legacy and a significant step forward for women’s representation in Maharashtra’s power structure.