Sunetra Pawar Takes Charge as Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister, Pledges People-Centric Governance

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : Sunetra Pawar on Saturday assumed office as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, marking a historic moment in the state’s political landscape. Shortly after taking the oath, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his warm wishes, describing his message as a source of inspiration and renewed confidence as she begins her new responsibilities in public life.

In a message shared after the swearing-in, Sunetra Pawar said the Prime Minister’s blessings had strengthened her resolve to work with honesty, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to public welfare. She noted that his words had further reinforced her determination to serve the people of Maharashtra with integrity and focus, especially in advancing inclusive development across the state.

Reflecting on the influence of her husband and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Sunetra Pawar spoke emotionally about the values that continue to guide her public journey. In a post on social media platform X, she recalled Ajit Pawar’s lifelong mantra of dedicating oneself to the welfare of farmers, labourers, women, youth, and marginalised sections of society. She said that as she takes on the responsibility of Deputy Chief Minister, she does so with deep respect for the ideals of “Shiv–Shahu–Phule–Ambedkar,” which have shaped Maharashtra’s progressive social and political ethos.

Acknowledging the profound personal loss she has suffered, Sunetra Pawar said the untimely demise of her husband had left her heart heavy with grief. However, she added that the strength to persevere comes from the values he instilled in her—discipline, a sense of duty, and an unbreakable bond with the people. She affirmed her commitment to continue working tirelessly to realise the vision of a just, equitable, and developed Maharashtra that he had always dreamed of. The love, support, and trust of the people of the state, she said, would remain her greatest source of strength in the challenging days ahead.

Earlier in the day, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in during a simple and dignified ceremony held at Lok Bhavan. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath of office and secrecy in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, members of the state cabinet, legislators, and senior officials. She took the oath solemnly, signalling continuity, stability, and a renewed commitment to governance.

Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, Sunetra Pawar was unanimously elected as the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Legislature Party. Her name was proposed by senior party leader Chhagan Bhujbal and seconded by Dilip Walse Patil, with broad support from other legislators, reflecting strong internal consensus within the party.

The meeting to elect the legislature party leader was convened after Sunetra Pawar, still coping with the shock of her husband’s sudden and tragic death in a plane crash earlier this week in Baramati, gave her consent to shoulder the responsibility. Her acceptance of the role, despite personal grief, has been widely viewed as a gesture of resilience and dedication to public service.

With her elevation, Maharashtra enters a new chapter, as Sunetra Pawar prepares to balance the weight of personal loss with the demands of high office, carrying forward a legacy rooted in social justice, inclusive development, and service to the people.