Mumbai, Jan 31: Sunetra Pawar became the first woman to serve as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister on Sunday, taking her oath of office at a ceremony in Mumbai. The 62-year-old Rajya Sabha member steps into the role following the tragic death of her husband and former Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) selected Pawar as the leader of its legislature wing during a meeting held at the Vidhan Bhavan complex. The party, which remains a key partner in the Mahayuti government, submitted a formal letter regarding her appointment to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who then forwarded the recommendation to Governor Acharya Devvrat.
Senior leader Dilip Walse Patil proposed her name for the leadership position, while Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal seconded the motion. The transition comes during a period of mourning for the party, as many legislators were seen in tears while entering the government complex. Pawar started the proceedings by paying floral tributes to a portrait of her late husband.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his support for the new appointment through a public statement. “I am confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfil the vision of the late Ajitdada Pawar,” the Prime Minister said. He also noted that she carries a significant responsibility as the first woman to hold this specific office in the state.
Pawar previously maintained a private profile until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where she contested the Baramati seat. Although she was defeated by her sister-in-law Supriya Sule in that contest, she was later elected to the Rajya Sabha. Her younger son, Jay, was present at the swearing-in ceremony to witness the historic transition.
