The elevation of Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar as Deputy CM signals a strategic recalibration within the Mahayuti government, aimed at stabilising coalition dynamics and recalibrating political equations ahead of key electoral battles.
BY PC Buraeu
Janaury 30, 2026: In a dramatic political development, Sunetra Pawar is set to be appointed as the new Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, replacing Ajit Pawar, sources confirmed late Friday evening. The move marks a significant r
Sources said a broad consensus emerged among party MLAs and senior leaders that, to preserve unity and organisational stability, Sunetra Pawar should step into her late husband’s political role. Senior leaders reportedly held multiple rounds of consultations before arriving at the decision.
Sources added that Sunetra Pawar has agreed to shoulder the responsibility, signalling her readiness to play a larger role in the party’s leadership and future strategy.eshuffle within the ruling alliance and is expected to have major political ramifications across the state.
In a key political development, the NCP Legislature Party will meet on Saturday afternoon to formally elect Sunetra Pawar as its leader, a move that will clear the decks for her elevation to the post of Deputy Chief Minister, sources confirmed.
Simultaneously, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will hold the crucial Finance Ministry, consolidating his control over the state’s economic and fiscal decision-making at a critical juncture ahead of upcoming electoral battles.
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Major Political Reset
The elevation of Sunetra Pawar — wife of veteran NCP leader Ajit Pawar and a Rajya Sabha MP — signals a strategic recalibration within the Mahayuti government. Party insiders say the change is aimed at balancing political equations, addressing internal differences, and reinforcing stability within the coalition.
Ajit Pawar’s exit from the deputy chief minister’s post comes amid growing speculation about differences within the alliance and recalibrations underway ahead of the 2026 political roadmap. However, no official statement has yet clarified Ajit Pawar’s next political role.
Fadnavis Tightens Grip on Key Portfolios
Devendra Fadnavis retaining the Finance Ministry underscores the BJP leadership’s intent to maintain continuity in fiscal policy, infrastructure spending, and development initiatives. Under Fadnavis, the finance portfolio has focused on aggressive capital expenditure, industrial investment, and urban infrastructure expansion.
Political analysts believe this move strengthens Fadnavis’s administrative authority and positions him as the central pivot of governance in Maharashtra.
Oath Ceremony Likely Soon
Sources indicate that formal announcements and oath-taking ceremonies are expected within the next 24 to 48 hours, pending final clearance from coalition partners and the Governor’s office.
While official reactions from BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena leaders are awaited, the sudden leadership shift has already triggered intense political speculation and strategic recalculations across party ranks.
This remains a developing story.
