In a landmark political shift, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in today at 5 PM as Maharashtra’s first female Deputy Chief Minister, stepping into the role vacated by her husband Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash earlier this week. The low-key ceremony at Raj Bhavan followed a unanimous NCP legislature party meeting at 2 PM, where she was elected leader amid broad coalition support.
Senior NCP figures like Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s backing, with Pawar assigned the Excise and Sports portfolios to ensure governance continuity. Party insiders note her clean image and prior roles in NGOs like the Environmental Forum of India positioned her ideally, preempting internal factional challenges.
This elevation, after her 2024 Lok Sabha run from Baramati, signals NCP’s resolve to stabilize the BJP-led alliance while honoring the Pawar legacy. Observers predict she may contest a Baramati bypoll, relinquishing her Rajya Sabha seat.
