Sunetra Pawar appointment as Deputy Chief Minsiter comes amidst ongoing NCP reunification talks, highlighting the delicate political balancing act in Maharashtra.
BY PC Bureau
Mumbai, January 31, 2026: : Sunetra Pawar made history today by taking oath as Maharashtra’s first-ever woman Deputy Chief Minister, stepping into a role that carries both political weight and emotional complexity. The 62-year-old leader assumed office just days after the untimely death of her husband, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, and four others in a devastating plane crash near Baramati.
Earlier today, she was unanimously elected as the NCP Legislature Party leader, with her name proposed by party veteran Chhagan Bhujbal and seconded by Dilip Patil, along with several other MLAs. A formal letter confirming her election was sent to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who promptly forwarded it to Governor Acharya Devvrat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to congratulate Sunetra Pawar, extending his best wishes immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.
In an emotional post on X, Rohit Pawar, MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed and a relative of Sunetra Pawar, acknowledged the personal loss behind the public achievement: “While no one can take the place of Ajit dada, at least in the form of Sunetrabai, we can see Ajit dada there somehow. With a mountain of grief weighing on our heads, we don’t even know how to offer her congratulations.”
Political Implications and NCP Dynamics
All eyes now turn to the future of the NCP’s reunification talks. Ajit Pawar’s uncle, Sharad Pawar, said he was unaware of Sunetra Pawar’s election as legislature party leader and subsequent appointment as Deputy Chief Minister. Following the developments, Ajit Pawar’s son Parth Pawar and NCP (Sharad Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar briefed Sharad Pawar on the situation. The senior leader clarified that while reunification discussions are ongoing, he is not directly involved, noting they are being conducted primarily between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil.
READ: Sharad Pawar Breaks Silence on NCP Merger Plan and Ajit Pawar’s Final Wish
Sources indicate that the move to appoint Sunetra Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister was communicated to her within hours of her husband’s death. Political leaders in Ajit Pawar’s camp were reportedly cautious about a merger with the Sharad Pawar faction, fearing it might dilute their influence. By elevating Sunetra Pawar, they ensured she would be officially recognized as Ajit Pawar’s political heir, maintaining the leadership continuity of his faction.
BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Sunetra Ajit Pawar takes oath as Maharashtra’s first woman DCM in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/V1Y0588gdY
— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) January 31, 2026
Sunetra Pawar’s Political Journey
Until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sunetra Pawar maintained a relatively low political profile. In those elections, she contested from Baramati on the NCP ticket but was defeated by her sister-in-law, NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule. She was later elected to the Rajya Sabha, steadily building her political credibility.
The tragic circumstances of Ajit Pawar’s death accelerated Sunetra Pawar’s rise, demonstrating both the party’s reliance on her leadership and her own readiness to step forward amidst crisis. Sources told NDTV that while the state leaders were rushing to Baramati to grieve, political realities were quickly communicated to her immediate family, signaling that the transition of power was already in motion, even as the nation mourned.
With her historic appointment, Sunetra Pawar now faces the dual challenge of navigating personal grief while leading a major state in turbulent political waters. Observers note that her tenure will not only test her leadership but could also reshape the future trajectory of Maharashtra’s NCP politics.
