Mumbai: Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman deputy chief minister on Saturday evening, taking oath at a somber ceremony at Raj Bhavan amid resounding chants of “Ajit Dada amar rahe” (Long live Ajit Dada) honouring her late husband, NCP leader Ajit Pawar. According to reports, governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath at 5 PM, following her unanimous election as NCP Legislature Party leader earlier in the day, marking a seamless family succession after Ajit Pawar’s tragic plane crash death on January 28.
The event, attended by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, NCP leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal and Praful Patel, and Pawar family members including son Parth, resonated with grief and resolve. Supporters outside Raj Bhavan raised slogans hailing Ajit Pawar’s legacy, while Sunetra, visibly emotional, pledged to uphold his vision for the Mahayuti coalition, reports said.
She assumes most portfolios held by Ajit — excluding finance and planning temporarily retained by Fadnavis ahead of the March Budget session — such as excise, sports, and others, ensuring NCP’s clout in the BJP-Shiv Sena government.
Reports said Sunetra’s elevation — proposed by senior leaders to stabilize the party ahead of February 7 Zilla Parishad polls in Pune — overrides non-family contenders like Bhujbal. Fadnavis expressed full backing, stating no hurdles to her immediate induction despite the mourning period. The 62-year-old, who lost the 2024 Baramati Lok Sabha seat to Supriya Sule but secured Rajya Sabha entry, arrived from Baramati early morning for family consultations before the 2 PM NCP meeting formalized her leadership, the reports added.
The swearing-in occurs amid merger buzz with Sharad Pawar’s NCP(SP), though he distanced himself, stating no prior consultation. Analysts see it fortifying Pawar influence in Maratha heartland politics, with Sunetra bridging grassroots and high command amid coalition dynamics.
