Sunetra Pawar Assumes Office As Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, NCP Rallies Behind New Leadership

Sunetra Pawar, who leads the NCP Legislature Party and is the wife of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, formally took charge as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister at Lok Bhavan on Friday. The swearing-in ceremony carried a strong emotional note, with party leaders raising slogans in memory of Ajit Pawar.

Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sunetra Pawar in a modest ceremony at Lok Bhavan, reflecting the recent tragedy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with other ministers and legislators, attended the event.

Before the ceremony, NCP legislators unanimously elected Sunetra Pawar as their leader. Soon after, senior party functionaries met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to convey their decision and complete the formalities for her induction into the state Cabinet.

NCP leader Anil Bhaidas Patil said the party held detailed consultations with workers and MLAs before approaching Sunetra Pawar to take on the role. He said the sudden loss of Ajit Pawar had left her deeply shaken, yet the party believed the moment demanded strong leadership.

Patil added that with local body elections on the horizon, the NCP needed an experienced figure to guide candidates and keep the organisation united. He recalled Ajit Pawar’s extensive outreach across constituencies and said Sunetra Pawar would now lead those efforts.

Broad Support Within the NCP

MLA Sana Malik said party members readily rallied behind Sunetra Pawar, describing her as the natural choice to lead after Ajit Pawar. She pointed out that Sunetra Pawar had remained closely engaged with party workers over the past two years, strengthening trust at the grassroots level.

Addressing speculation about a possible reunion with Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP, Anil Bhaidas Patil said Ajit Pawar had initiated dialogue on reunification. While informal discussions had taken place, he said no clarity remains after Ajit Pawar’s demise on the future of any alliance or merger.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his best wishes to Sunetra Pawar, congratulating her on X and wishing her success in her new role.

“Best wishes to Sunetra Pawar Ji as she begins her tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the first woman to hold this responsibility. I am confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfil the vision of the late Ajitdada Pawar,” he wrote on X.

Best wishes to Sunetra Pawar Ji as she begins her tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the first woman to hold this responsibility. I am confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfil the vision of the late Ajitdada Pawar.…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 31, 2026

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