Sunetra Pawar Sworn In As Maharashtra Deputy CM: First Woman, Following Ajit Pawar’s Death

In an emotional ceremony steeped in both political significance and personal tragedy, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, becoming the first woman to hold the post. The oath-taking at Mumbai’s Lok Bhavan comes just days after the shocking death of her husband, the former Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash near Baramati.

The swift political transition underscores the Pawar family’s deep-rooted influence in Maharashtra’s politics while opening a new, uncertain chapter for the state and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

A Solemn Transition of Power

The ceremony was a subdued affair, reflecting the somber circumstances. Before taking the oath administered by Governor Acharya Devvrat, Sunetra Pawar paid solemn tribute to a portrait of her late husband. The event was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, fellow Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and senior NCP leaders.

This transition was formally set in motion earlier on Saturday when Sunetra Pawar was unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP legislative party during a meeting at Vidhan Bhavan. Senior party figures, including working president Praful Patel, propelled her to the front of the party line.

The Road Ahead: Portfolios and Constitutional Requirements

While stepping into her husband’s role, Sunetra Pawar’s powers will not be an exact match. Ajit Pawar held four key portfolios: Finance and Planning, State Excise, Sports, and Minority Affairs. Reports indicate that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to retain the crucial Finance and Planning department, with Sunetra Pawar taking charge of the remaining three. Fadnavis is expected to present the state budget next month.

Furthermore, Sunetra Pawar, a current Rajya Sabha MP, must meet a constitutional requirement. She has six months to relinquish her Parliament seat and become a member of either the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council. Political circles speculate that the Rajya Sabha seat she vacates may be filled by one of her sons, Parth or Jay Pawar.

Throwing NCP Merger Plans into Uncertainty

Beyond the immediate succession, Ajit Pawar’s death has created significant political ripples, most notably stalling a major unification effort within the NCP. According to leaders from the Sharad Pawar faction (NCP-SCP), Ajit Pawar was actively in talks to merge the two splintered factions of the party. A final announcement was reportedly scheduled for February 12.

Following the swearing-in, Sharad Pawar acknowledged these talks, stating, “It was Ajit Dada’s wish that both NCPs should come together, and it was our wish as well.” He clarified that while he was not directly involved in negotiations, the process has now been put on hold, leaving the future of the party’s unity in question.