Sunetra Pawar: The woman poised to make history for NCP after Ajit Pawar

Mumbai: Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member and widow of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is set to be sworn in today (Saturday) as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, marking a significant moment in the state’s political history.

The oath ceremony is expected to take place at around 5 pm at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, following her formal election as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislature party leader earlier in the day.

This appointment comes just days after the sudden and tragic death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, which also claimed the lives of five others. The elevation of Sunetra Pawar aims to ensure continuity of governance and political stability amid grief and transition within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. 

Political Dynamics and Party Decisions

The NCP’s decision to nominate Sunetra Pawar came amid intense internal discussions on succession and leadership balance following Ajit Pawar’s demise. A legislature party meeting was convened to elect her as the leader, paving the way for her formal appointment to the deputy CM post.

Key NCP figures, including Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, were involved in talks with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the vacancy and coalition stability.

Chief Minister Fadnavis and leaders from the BJP-led alliance have indicated support for the decision, emphasising a desire to maintain balance within the Maharashtra government during a sensitive transition period.

However, not all developments have been smooth. Reports suggest that veteran leader Sharad Pawar claimed he was unaware of the plan for Sunetra Pawar’s appointment, highlighting some discord within the extended Pawar family and broader party ranks.

Calls from some quarters have also criticized the pace of the political process, suggesting that moving forward with the appointment days after the funeral may be seen as rushed.

Profile: From Social Work to Parliamentary Politics

Sunetra Pawar was born on October 18, 1963, in Osmanabad (now Dharashiv), Maharashtra, into a family with political roots. She completed her education before entering public life, later marrying Ajit Pawar in 1985. The couple had two sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar.

She formally entered national politics in June 2024 when she was elected to the Rajya Sabha representing Maharashtra for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a seat previously held by Praful Patel.

Before her parliamentary role, Sunetra Pawar was known for her social work and environmental advocacy. She is the chairperson of the Baramati Textile Company and founded the Environmental Forum of India, an NGO focused on organic farming, environmental conservation, and rural empowerment.

Her initiatives included community sanitation drives and sustainable rural development projects in Baramati and neighboring regions, efforts that earned local recognition.

Significance of Her Leadership in Maharashtra Politics

Sunetra Pawar’s rise illustrates a rare transition from social advocacy and parliamentary politics into a senior executive role at the state level. If sworn in as expected, she will not only become the first woman to hold the Deputy Chief Minister post in Maharashtra but also play a key role in shaping governance and policy during a politically sensitive period.

Her appointment, closely watched across political circles, also reflects ongoing realignments within the Nationalist Congress Party and the broader Mahayuti alliance. It underscores both political pragmatism and emotional symbolism, as leaders seek to balance tradition, continuity, and governance after a sudden leadership void.

Looking Ahead: First Tasks and Expectations

With her swearing-in set for later this evening, expectations are high that Sunetra Pawar will take on key portfolios and aid coalition cohesion. Stakeholders within and outside Maharashtra will be watching her initial moves closely, assessing how she bridges her background in social causes with the demands of state leadership at a critical juncture.