Sunetra Ajit Pawar Sworn In as Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister

Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, inheriting most portfolios previously held by her husband after his tragic death in a plane crash

Mumbai/New Delhi, January 31, 2026:Sunetra Ajit Pawar was officially sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to hold the post in the state’s 66‑year history.

The oath‑taking ceremony, held in Mumbai in a relatively low‑key ceremony, followed the sudden death of her husband and predecessor, Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash near Baramati earlier this week.

Sunetra Pawar’s elevation comes after she was unanimously endorsed by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislature group to take over the leadership role, consolidating party support and ensuring continuity in governance. Despite not currently being an MLA or MLC, she is eligible to hold the deputy chief minister’s post, a provision permitted under the Constitution for non‑legislator ministers, provided they secure a seat within six months.

According to official sources, she will be assigned most of the portfolios previously managed by Ajit Pawar, with the notable exceptions of Finance and Planning, which will remain outside her charge for the time being. The decision reflects political calculations aimed at both maintaining governmental stability and honoring the legacy of the late leader.

Sunetra Pawar was a Rajya Sabha member and has largely stayed away from frontline politics, making her appointment a significant transition in her public life. Her ascension to this high constitutional office also underscores broader political dynamics within the ruling coalition, as well as efforts by the NCP to preserve unity following Ajit Pawar’s untimely passing.

Political analysts say her appointment could strengthen the party’s position in the state assembly and provide continuity in policymaking at a time of political uncertainty, though future electoral participation will be closely watched.

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