Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on January 31, 2026, marking a historic milestone as she became the first woman to hold the position in the state. Her elevation comes at a time of personal tragedy and political transition for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), following the death of her husband and senior party leader Ajit Pawar earlier this week.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai and was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and several senior leaders from the ruling coalition and the NCP. The atmosphere at the ceremony was emotional, with party workers and supporters raising slogans of “Ajit Dada amar rahein” in remembrance of the late leader.
Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash near Baramati on January 28, 2026. His death sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape, given his long-standing influence in state politics and his prominent role within the NCP. The party has since been navigating a period of uncertainty and mourning, while also making decisions aimed at ensuring political continuity.
Just days after the tragedy, Sunetra Pawar, who is also a sitting Rajya Sabha member, was unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP’s legislature wing. The decision paved the way for her appointment as Deputy Chief Minister and was seen as a move to maintain stability within the party during a sensitive period.
Along with the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, Sunetra Pawar has been assigned several important portfolios, including state excise, sports and youth welfare, minority development, and Wakf. These departments play a significant role in governance and social policy, placing her at the centre of key administrative responsibilities.
In her first public statement after taking the oath, Sunetra Pawar spoke about the personal loss she has suffered, describing it as a “mountain of grief.” Despite the emotional weight of the moment, she expressed resolve to continue her husband’s political work and vision.
She said she would dedicate herself to the welfare of farmers, workers, women, youth, and marginalized sections of society, emphasising continuity in public service rather than political symbolism. Her remarks reflected an effort to balance personal mourning with public responsibility.
Sunetra Pawar’s appointment is being viewed as both a historic and symbolic moment in Maharashtra politics. As the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of the state, her elevation represents a notable shift in a political space that has traditionally been dominated by men. At the same time, it signals a leadership transition within the NCP following the sudden loss of one of its most influential figures.
Political observers note that her leadership will be closely watched in the coming months, particularly in how she manages her ministerial portfolios and steers the party through a period of adjustment. The NCP, meanwhile, faces the task of reorganising itself while preserving unity after Ajit Pawar’s death.
The developments underscore how personal tragedy and political responsibility have converged in Maharashtra’s current political moment. Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in reflects both an immediate response to an unexpected loss and a broader attempt to ensure continuity in governance and party leadership.