Sunetra Pawar was sworn in today, January 31, 2026, as Maharashtra’s first-ever woman Deputy Chief Minister, marking a landmark moment in the state’s political history amid profound grief following the sudden death of her husband, veteran leader Ajit Pawar. The 62-year-old former Rajya Sabha MP (who has resigned her seat) took the oath of office and secrecy in a solemn, understated ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, senior NCP figures like Chhagan Bhujbal and Praful Patel, and other alliance leaders. Supporters present chanted “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” (Ajit Dada is immortal), underscoring the emotional atmosphere and the legacy she inherits.
This swift elevation comes just three days after Ajit Pawar, the powerful NCP faction leader and former Deputy CM in the Mahayuti government (BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP), died in a tragic plane crash on January 28, 2026. His chartered Learjet crashed near Baramati airport during a local election campaign trip, claiming his life along with four others. Investigations continue, with authorities recovering the black box for analysis.
Earlier today, NCP legislators unanimously elected Sunetra as the leader of the party’s legislature group—vacated by Ajit’s demise. Her nomination, proposed by Chhagan Bhujbal and seconded by others, reflected strong consensus to ensure continuity and prevent any leadership vacuum or instability in the ruling alliance.
Sunetra has been assigned three significant portfolios: State Excise (a key revenue department), Sports and Youth Welfare (focusing on empowerment and development), and Minorities Development & Aukaf (promoting inclusive welfare). These align with the NCP’s traditional emphasis on farmers, youth, women, and marginalized communities—areas her late husband championed.
Dressed in a white saree as a symbol of mourning, Sunetra addressed the gathering post-oath, visibly emotional. She described being “overwhelmed with emotions” and vowed to carry forward Ajit Pawar’s legacy with loyalty and dedication. She paid tribute to the ideals of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar and pledged relentless service to Maharashtra’s people.
The move has stirred political discussions. NCP founder Sharad Pawar (Ajit’s uncle) noted he and his family were unaware of the decision, viewing it as internal to Ajit’s faction. It has paused any immediate merger talks between the divided NCP wings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her, wishing success in her new role. Her appointment not only upholds the Pawar family’s political inheritance but also introduces a new female voice in Maharashtra’s governance during a challenging period of loss and transition.