Sunetra Pawar Makes History as Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister in Emotional Swearing-In Ceremony
In a moment marked by both grief and political significance, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, days after the tragic death of her husband, former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati.
The oath of office was administered by Governor Acharya Devavrat in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Leaders, ministers, legislators, and party workers of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) gathered for the brief ceremony, raising emotional slogans such as “Long Live Ajit Pawar” and “Sunetra tai, move forward.”
Unlike traditional oath-taking events filled with applause and celebration, the ceremony — lasting barely ten minutes — was subdued and deeply emotional.
Earlier in the day, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar stated that his family had not received any formal invitation to the swearing-in.
From Ajit Pawar’s family, only Sunetra’s younger son, Ja,y attended the ceremony.
Unanimous Support Within the Party
Sunetra Pawar was unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP Legislature Party on Saturday afternoon during a meeting held at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai.
The meeting was attended by senior party leaders, including the party’s national working president and MP Praful Patel, and was presided over by MP and state party president Sunil Tatkare.
Two key resolutions were adopted unanimously:
- To elect Sunetra Pawar as the Legislature Party leader
- To authorize her to make all decisions related to the party’s legislative affairs
The resolutions were proposed by Chhagan Bhujbal and seconded by senior leaders Hasan Mushrif, Dilip Walse Patil, Dhananjay Munde, Narhari Zirwal, and Sanjay Bansode.
Following the meeting, Tatkare formally informed Chief Minister Fadnavis of Sunetra’s unanimous selection.
The Chief Minister then communicated the decision to the Governor, paving the way for her induction into the Council of Ministers.
A Brief Profile of Sunetra Pawar
Sunetra Pawar has long been associated with the Nationalist Congress Party and has played an influential behind-the-scenes role in Maharashtra politics.
Known for her grassroots connections and organizational work, she has actively supported party initiatives and social welfare efforts for years.
Before stepping into a formal leadership role, she was widely respected as a key pillar of the Pawar family’s political legacy, often engaging in community outreach, women’s empowerment programs, and party mobilization campaigns.
Her elevation now marks a significant shift, placing her at the forefront of state leadership during a period of emotional and political transition.
Her appointment is being seen not only as a tribute to Ajit Pawar’s legacy but also as a milestone for women’s representation in Maharashtra’s top executive leadership.
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