Sunetra Pawar Appointed as Maharashtra's First Woman Deputy CM
Sunetra Pawar, the widow of the late Ajit Pawar, is set to become the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. She is a member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha representing the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Ajit Pawar, who served as Deputy Chief Minister, passed away in a plane crash on January 28, 2026.
Political Developments
NCP leaders have stated that Sunetra Pawar is likely to be elected as the leader of the NCP legislature party on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Following the election, she is expected to take the oath as Deputy Chief Minister. The 40 legislators of the NCP are scheduled to meet at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai to elect their leader. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be a low-key event at Lok Bhavan at 5 PM.
Sunetra Pawar's appointment follows consultations between the NCP and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The BJP has indicated it would maintain the existing balance within the ruling government, leaving the decision to its alliance partner.
Political Background
Sunetra Pawar was born on October 18, 1963. She entered electoral politics in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls but was unsuccessful. She was later nominated to the Rajya Sabha. She has been involved in social and organizational work related to industry, education, and environmental initiatives. She is the chairperson of Baramati Textile Company and CEO of Environmental Forum of India (EFOI).
Key Points
- Sunetra Pawar is set to become Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister.
- She is a Rajya Sabha MP representing the NCP.
- Her appointment follows the death of her husband, Ajit Pawar.
- She is expected to be elected as the leader of the NCP legislature party and sworn in as Deputy CM on January 31, 2026.
