Sunetra Pawar Steps Into Ajit Pawar’s Shoes: Maharashtra Gets Its First Female Deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar steps into her late husband Ajit Pawar’s role, becoming Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister.

By OdishaConnect On Jan 31, 2026

In a deeply emotional moment for Maharashtra politics, Sunetra Pawar, widow of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is poised to take office as the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister. Her arrival in Mumbai on January 30 marks the beginning of a historic transition in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Mahayuti alliance government.

A Bittersweet Homecoming

At 62, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, returned to her Mumbai residence after a difficult trip. Her husband, Ajit Pawar, tragically died in a plane crash just days earlier. Despite personal grief, she is stepping up to fill his political role.

Oath Ceremony and Party Meetings

The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for 5 PM at Lok Bhavan, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will administer the oath. Prior to this, the NCP will hold a meeting at 2 PM at Vidhan Bhavan, where party MLAs, MLCs, and leaders will formally select Sunetra Pawar as their new legislature leader.

Following these proceedings, she will officially assume the deputy CM position in the Mahayuti alliance government led by Fadnavis.

Strong Backing from Party Leaders

Senior NCP figures, including Chhagan Bhujbal and Manikrao Kokate, have voiced their support, highlighting her readiness to lead. CM Fadnavis also affirmed the government’s backing for the NCP and the Pawar family during this period of transition.

Political Experience and Future Challenges

Sunetra Pawar is no stranger to politics. She contested in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections before entering the Rajya Sabha. While she is not yet a member of the state legislature, she has six months to secure her position either through a by-election in Baramati or via nomination.

A Historic Moment for Women in Maharashtra

Her appointment represents a landmark for women’s political representation in Maharashtra. Amid grief and party manoeuvring, all eyes are on how Sunetra Pawar will navigate this new role and shape the future of the Mahayuti alliance.