- By Raju Kumar
- Sat, 31 Jan 2026 06:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Sunetra Pawar's Oath: Sunetra Pawar, 62, was on Saturday sworn in as Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister at a ceremony in Mumbai, three days after her husband, NCP chief Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. In a sudden turn of events, the Nationalist Congress Party, a constituent of the Mahayuti government, elected Sunetra as the leader of its legislature wing, following which she took oath as the deputy CM. She became the first woman deputy chief minister of the state.
What's The Behind Scene?
Sunetra's oath came three days after the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar, which many believe was a haste move. However, in the given scenario, the NCP leadership believed her oath was necessary to keep the party united amid talks over the merger of the party with Sharad Pawar's faction, which is an ally in the Opposition, MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi). Sources said she was not ready to take charge very soon, but Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal and other leaders convinced her to take oath amid mourning for their leader.
Sharad Pawar Factor
It was believed that the delay in Sunetra's entry into the Cabinet could have created confusion among party cadres, as the road ahead was not clear. Since Sharad Pawar is the founder of the party and the tallest leader in both factions, he could have the largest share in the decision on Sunetra's political move. Ajit Pawar's camp also feared that if the merger took place, Sharad Pawar's faction would create roadblocks for NCP leader's wife. So, it could be said that the NCP and Ajit Pawar's family took a political decision to diminish the possible influence of Sharad Pawar.
Speaking to the reporters, Bhujbal said, "It is good. People want it, and our MLAs are also demanding the same. This is absolutely right. Under the current circumstances, Sunetra taai should indeed be the Leader of the Legislative Party and Deputy CM."
Sharad Pawar's Exclusion
Sharad Pawar was not consulted when the decision was made to entrust these responsibilities to Sunetra. At a press conference in Baramati on Saturday morning, he expressed his displeasure, stating that the decision was taken by Praful Patel (working president) and Sunil Tatkare (state president), and that he had no prior knowledge of the positions given to Sunetra Pawar.
What Next?
Sunetra Pawar will be in charge of all the ministries that Ajit Pawar held in the Mahayuti government, except for the Finance Ministry, which Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will retain. The NCP will be given another ministry in exchange for the Finance Ministry. With the oath as Deputy CM, she became the most powerful leader and placed herself in controling position in the party.
(With agencies inputs)