Mumbai, Jan 31: The Maharashtra cabinet saw a historic shift on Sunday as Sunetra Pawar took her oath as the state’s first-ever woman Deputy Chief Minister. Her appointment follows her unanimous election as the leader of the NCP legislature party on Saturday, a move necessitated by the recent passing of her husband, Ajit Pawar.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis facilitated the appointment after receiving the NCP’s official selection of Pawar as their legislative head. The decision was reached during a meeting at the late Ajit Pawar’s office within the Vidhan Bhavan. Chhagan Bhujbal and Dilip Walse Patil were instrumental in the nomination process, which was supported by all party members present.
During her first day in the new role, Pawar focused on the legacy of her late husband. She was joined by her son, Jay, as she honored the memory of the former Finance Minister before the official ceremony began. The atmosphere at the Vidhan Bhavan remained somber, with many colleagues reflecting on the loss of the veteran leader who died in the Baramati air crash along with four others.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his congratulations to the new Deputy Chief Minister as she took charge. “Best wishes to Sunetra Pawar Ji as she begins her tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the first woman to hold this responsibility,” the Prime Minister said.
Pawar’s political journey has accelerated quickly since 2024. After a high-profile electoral contest in Baramati against Supriya Sule, Pawar moved to the Rajya Sabha. Her elevation to the state’s second-highest executive post marks a significant milestone for the Mahayuti administration. The government has signaled that she will continue the administrative work previously handled by her husband to ensure continuity in state governance.
