Mumbai: Newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Sunetra Pawar, officially took oath on Saturday, promising to carry forward the legacy of her late husband Ajit Pawar while assuming charge of critical state portfolios. The ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai was administered by Governor Acharya Devvrat in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, amid slogans of “Ajit dada amar rahe.”

Sunetra Pawar was elected the leader of the NCP Legislative Party earlier in the day, and party leaders met CM Fadnavis to finalise her appointment. Senior leaders present included Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Sunil Tatkare, Praful Patel, and Chhagan Bhujbal.

Which departments has Sunetra Pawar been assigned?

Following Governor Devvrat’s approval, Sunetra Pawar has been given charge of:

  • State Excise Duty – overseeing regulation of alcoholic beverages and ensuring state revenue collection
  • Sports and Youth Welfare – nurturing athletic talent, supporting grassroots programs, and implementing youth-focused initiatives
  • Minorities Development & Auqaf – managing welfare programs for minority communities and overseeing charitable endowments (Auqaf/Waqf)

The Planning and Finance portfolios, previously held by Ajit Pawar, remain with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, ensuring continuity in fiscal governance during the pre-budget period.

How does Sunetra Pawar plan to carry forward Ajit Pawar’s legacy?

In a heartfelt post shared on X, Sunetra Pawar paid tribute to her late husband, "Respected Ajit Dada gave a guiding principle of life for farmers, workers, women, youth, and the marginalised throughout his life. Today, while taking on the responsibility of the Deputy Chief Minister with a sense of duty, staying committed to the ideals of 'Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar' and carrying forward his legacy of thoughts, my heart is truly overwhelmed."

She acknowledged the personal loss she faces, calling it a “mountain of sorrow,” but said the values instilled by Ajit Pawar will remain her guiding force.

"Although Dada's untimely departure has brought a mountain of sorrow upon my mind, the sense of duty, strength of struggle, and commitment to the people that he taught me remain my true support. I will continue to work with unwavering honesty to build the just, equal, and developed Maharashtra that he dreamed of."

Sunetra Pawar also thanked the people of Maharashtra for their support during this difficult time, saying she will move forward keeping her husband’s ideals alive.

Her appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, leading key social and revenue-generating departments while continuing Ajit Pawar’s vision for farmers, youth, and marginalised communities.

Ajit Pawar tragically died on January 28 when a chartered plane carrying him crashed near Baramati. Among the deceased were his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots.