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

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : Sunetra Ajit Pawar, wife of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath of office and secrecy in the presence of senior leaders of the ruling alliance.

Her elevation comes days after Ajit Pawar’s sudden death in a tragic plane crash in Baramati on January 28, an incident that created a major political vacuum within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the state government. Despite the personal loss, Sunetra Pawar accepted the responsibility amid strong backing from party legislators.

Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, Sunetra Pawar was unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP legislative party, clearing the way for her induction into the Council of Ministers. As part of the transition, she resigned from her Rajya Sabha membership prior to assuming office as Deputy Chief Minister.

Sunetra Pawar is now expected to contest the by-election from the Baramati Assembly constituency, which was rendered vacant following Ajit Pawar’s demise. The seat has traditionally been a stronghold of the Pawar family and holds significant political importance in Maharashtra.

According to party sources, the NCP plans to nominate Sunetra Pawar’s elder son, Parth Pawar, to the Rajya Sabha in her place, ensuring continuity of the family’s presence in national politics. Her appointment marks a historic moment for Maharashtra politics and signals a new chapter for the NCP following a period of upheaval.

Team Maverick