Sunetra Pawar Makes History as Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy CM After Ajit Pawar’s Tragic Death
Rajya Sabha MP unanimously elected NCP legislature party leader; son Parth Pawar likely to be nominated to Upper House
MUMBAI — In a significant political development following the tragic plane crash that claimed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s life, his wife Sunetra Pawar was unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP legislature party in Maharashtra on Saturday, paving the way for her to become the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister.
Sunetra Pawar’s name as the NCP’s legislature party leader was proposed by senior leader Dilip Walse Patil and seconded by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal during a meeting held at the late Deputy CM’s office in Vidhan Bhavan.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 5 PM today at Lok Bhavan, where Governor Acharya Devvrat will administer the oath. The development comes just three days after Ajit Pawar perished in an air crash in Baramati along with four others on January 28.
In a parallel political maneuver, the NCP will likely nominate Ajit Pawar’s son Parth Pawar to Rajya Sabha, replacing his mother Sunetra Pawar, according to party sources. This move was suggested by NCP (AP) MLC Idris Naikwadi, who stated that “Parth Pawar should also be given a chance in a statutory position”.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has extended his support to the transition, confirming that the BJP-led Mahayuti government backs the NCP’s decision. The Finance and Planning portfolios previously held by Ajit Pawar are expected to be redistributed within the cabinet.
Until her entry into active politics during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sunetra Pawar maintained a relatively low public profile. She contested from Baramati but was defeated by her sister-in-law Supriya Sule. She was subsequently elected to the Rajya Sabha and has now resigned from that position to assume the Deputy CM role.
The rapid succession has sparked discussions within political circles, with some observers noting the swift consolidation of leadership within the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP. The decision effectively maintains the party’s continuity within the ruling Mahayuti coalition while postponing any immediate merger talks between the two NCP factions.
With the NCP’s tally in the 288-member Assembly now reduced to 40 following Ajit Pawar’s death, Sunetra Pawar is expected to contest the by-election from the Baramati Assembly constituency, which has fallen vacant.
