Key Points:
- Sunetra Pawar to take oath as Deputy Chief Minister, likely on Jan 31, 2026.
- This would be the first time a woman holds the deputy CM post in Maharashtra.
- Appointment follows the sudden death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati.
- NCP and allies pressing for stability and cabinet portfolio decisions.
A significant transition in Maharashtra’s political landscape is underway as Sunetra Pawar prepares to be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister, a move that would make her the first woman to hold this post in the state’s history. The ceremony is expected to take place tomorrow evening at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and leaders of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, according to official sources.
The decision reflects both political strategy and a symbolic shift in leadership following the tragic death of Ajit Pawar, a towering figure in Maharashtra politics and long-serving Deputy Chief Minister, who died on 28 January 2026 when the chartered Learjet 45 plane he was aboard crashed near Baramati airport while attempting to land, killing all five on board.
Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise has sent ripples through the state’s political establishment, intensifying discussions within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) about succession, unity, and electoral strategy ahead of key local polls. NCP leaders have met with Chief Minister Fadnavis to assert their intent to retain key portfolios and ensure continuity in governance.
Within the party, efforts to consolidate positions have seen senior leaders quickly rally around the idea of elevating Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, to a central role in the state government. A legislative party meeting is reportedly scheduled soon to formalize her leadership of the NCP’s legislative group.
Sunetra Pawar has been active in social work and rural development, particularly in the Baramati region, where she has led initiatives through institutions like the Agricultural Development Trust. Before joining the Rajya Sabha in 2024, she contested the Baramati Lok Sabha seat, a bastion of the Pawar family, although she was unsuccessful against Supriya Sule.
The NCP’s move aims to balance political stability, public sentiment, and party legacy after the loss of Ajit Pawar, whose cremation in Baramati drew thousands of mourners and full state honours, with tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum.
As Maharashtra charts its political future, all eyes will be on Sunetra Pawar’s oath and the government’s broader strategy for the upcoming elections and internal party dynamics.
