Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar, will be sworn in as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister at 5 pm on Saturday, becoming the first woman to hold the post – a move aimed at stabilising state politics after her husband’s death.
Sunetra Pawar’s elevation to the post of Deputy Chief Minister marks a significant political development in Maharashtra, coming days after the tragic death of her husband and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on 28 January 2026.
According to Nationalist Congress Party sources, Sunetra Pawar has accepted the proposal to assume the role and will continue holding her current Excise and Sports portfolios in the state government. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 5 pm and is expected to take place at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, following formalities within the NCP legislature party.
Senior party leaders including Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal have played a central role in the discussions leading to her elevation. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has indicated that he has no objection to her appointment, underlining the coalition’s support. Fadnavis will retain the Finance portfolio temporarily due to the state’s impending budget session in March, a move seen as helping ensure continuity and administrative stability.
Political observers note the decision follows promises by key NCP leaders to maintain unity and prevent instability within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), allies like Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and NCP.
Historic First: Woman Deputy CM
If formalised, Sunetra Pawar will make history as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister – a notable milestone in a state where gender representation at the top tier of leadership has been limited.
Sunetra, 62, is a Rajya Sabha member, having entered Parliament after contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Baramati, a seat steeped in Pawar family political legacy. Although she lost that contest, her political profile has grown, with party workers and senior leaders backing her rise.
“NCP leaders and cadre have widely expressed their support for Sunetra Pawar’s entry into the Cabinet, underscoring both her roots in the Pawar political tradition and public expectations,” said senior NCP legislator Narhari Zirwal, reflecting the mood within party ranks.
Her appointment as Deputy CM comes at a moment of intense political focus in the state, with Pune Zilla Parishad elections scheduled for 7 February. Local party strategists believe her presence will help consolidate the party’s organisational direction ahead of these polls.
Navigating Grief and Governance
The backdrop to this transition has been a week marked by both political uncertainty and public sorrow after Ajit Pawar’s untimely death in an aircraft accident near Baramati. The veteran leader was a core figure in Maharashtra politics, having served multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister and being central to the current coalition government’s stability.
His funeral, held with full state honours, was attended by senior leaders across political divides, highlighting his influence. Well-wishes and condolences flowed in not only from within Maharashtra but across national political circles.
In the days that followed, the NCP leadership held intensive consultations with the Pawar family and within party ranks to determine the best course forward to fill both the leadership vacuum and reassure allies. The decision to elevate Sunetra Pawar reflects a blend of respect for Ajit Pawar’s legacy and a pragmatic political strategy.
While there appears to be broad support within the party, some discussions within the extended Pawar family have highlighted differing views on the pace of political decisions so soon after the tragedy, illustrating the emotional complexity of the moment.
Political and Strategic Implications
Sunetra Pawar’s appointment carries strategic significance beyond symbolism. Analysts suggest the move aims to maintain cohesion within the NCP and its allied legislators, especially as internal factional dynamics and future electoral calculations continue to evolve.
By choosing Sunetra, with deep connections to the Pawar political sphere the party appears to be sending a message of continuity, seeking to prevent defections and preserve its legislative strength. This is particularly relevant given an assembly seat in Baramati has fallen vacant following Ajit Pawar’s death, raising questions about succession and future electoral strategy.
The temporary retention of the Finance portfolio by Chief Minister Fadnavis also points to the importance of fiscal stability as the state gears up for the budget session in March, ensuring there are no disruptions to governance due to rapid changes in leadership responsibilities.
Voices from Across the Political Spectrum
NCP insiders, including working president Praful Patel, have publicly stated that the decision to elevate Sunetra Pawar was taken after broad consultations within the party and family, and that there was no significant opposition to her elevation.
Meanwhile, veteran leader Sharad Pawar praised the party’s internal process and emphasised that such decisions were ultimately for the NCP to make, hinting at respect for party autonomy while acknowledging the gravity of the moment.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated support for the NCP’s choice, noting that the ruling alliance stands united and committed to stable governance during this period of transition.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sunetra Pawar’s ascension to the deputy chief ministership marks both a historic milestone for women in Maharashtra politics and a critical inflection point for the state’s political landscape following a sudden leadership loss. It reflects the interplay between legacy, party dynamics, and strategic governance priorities.
As Maharashtra prepares for local elections and legislative responsibilities like the budget session, the focus will now shift to how this new leadership dynamic unfolds in practice, and whether it strengthens public confidence in democratic governance during times of change.
