Sunetra Pawar Likely to Take Oath as Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : Following the demise of senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, a significant political transition is underway in Maharashtra, with the post of Deputy Chief Minister currently lying vacant. According to highly placed sources, Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, is likely to take oath as the new Deputy Chief Minister later today, a move that would mark a historic moment for the state. If confirmed, Sunetra Pawar would become Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, setting a new milestone in the state’s political history.

Sources reveal that on Friday, a delegation of senior NCP leaders met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and formally proposed Sunetra Pawar’s name for the vacant post. Prominent leaders including Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, Dhananjay Munde, and Praful Patel were present during the meeting. The leadership reportedly conveyed that appointing Sunetra Pawar would ensure continuity, stability, and respect for Ajit Pawar’s political legacy.

As part of the formal process, a crucial meeting of all NCP MLAs has been scheduled in Mumbai at 11 am on Saturday. During this meeting, Sunetra Pawar is expected to be unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP legislative party. Following this, she is likely to take the oath as Deputy Chief Minister in the evening, completing the transition.

Meanwhile, important deliberations have also taken place at the Pawar family level. A meeting was held in Baramati between Sunetra Pawar and the family’s trusted advisor Naresh Arora. Her sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, were also present during the discussion. After the meeting, it was decided that Naresh Arora would formally communicate the family’s decision to senior NCP leaders in Mumbai, signaling consensus and readiness to move forward.

On Saturday, an NCP delegation traveled from Mumbai to Baramati to personally meet Sunetra Pawar. Sources indicate that she may arrive in Mumbai late tonight or early Saturday morning to participate in the party meetings and complete the oath-taking formalities.

Within the party and among NCP supporters, there has been a strong and consistent demand that Sunetra Pawar be appointed Deputy Chief Minister. Supporters believe that this step is essential to preserve Ajit Pawar’s political legacy and ensure that the key departments he previously handled are entrusted to her. Party leaders also see her appointment as vital for maintaining unity and political stability within the NCP during this sensitive period.

According to sources, Sunetra Pawar has now agreed to shoulder the responsibility, and her name has been finalized after consultations between senior NCP leaders and the Chief Minister at Varsha Bungalow. Since Ajit Pawar’s passing, both the party cadre and leadership have been united in their demand for her elevation.

With strategic discussions, legislative meetings, and family consent aligning, the stage is set for a historic development. If events unfold as planned, Maharashtra is poised to welcome its first-ever woman Deputy Chief Minister, marking a significant chapter in the state’s political journey.