Sunetra Pawar has created history by becoming the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Her elevation comes at a critical political moment following the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash earlier this week.
On January 31, 2026, she was unanimously elected as the NCP legislature party leader and took the oath at 5 PM in Mumbai. The decision reflects both emotional solidarity and strategic political continuity within the party.
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Who Is Sunetra Pawar
Sunetra Pawar is a senior social worker-turned-politician with a calm public image and deep grassroots connections. At 62, she steps into active leadership at a time when Maharashtra politics is undergoing rapid change.
She is also a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and has largely stayed away from aggressive electoral politics until recent years. Her rise marks a shift from behind-the-scenes work to a front-facing leadership role.
Family and Political Background
Sunetra Pawar was married to the late Ajit Pawar, one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures. Ajit Pawar served multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister and was known for his strong administrative grip.
Following his sudden death, the party moved quickly to ensure stability by choosing a trusted and familiar face. Sunetra Pawar’s appointment was seen as a natural continuation of Ajit Pawar’s political legacy.
Key Appointment Details
The Nationalist Congress Party acted swiftly to prevent internal uncertainty. A legislature party meeting was held at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai at 2 PM on January 31, 2026.
During this meeting, Sunetra Pawar was unanimously chosen as the party leader. Her oath ceremony is scheduled for 5 PM the same day, making her Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister.
Oath Ceremony Information
The oath-taking ceremony is being held at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat is administering the oath in a low-key event.
Senior leaders from the ruling alliance are present, reflecting unity during a sensitive period. The ceremony concludes a day of rapid political developments.
Political Context in Maharashtra
The decision to appoint Sunetra Pawar also carries strategic importance. It aims to prevent any possible takeover by the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction.
Senior leaders met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure coalition support. The BJP has backed the NCP’s internal decision ahead of the upcoming state budget session.
Entry Into Active Politics
Before 2024, Sunetra Pawar focused mainly on social and environmental work. She founded the Environmental Forum of India in 2010 to promote sanitation and eco-village development in rural Maharashtra.
Her formal political debut came during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. She contested from Baramati against Supriya Sule, symbolizing the deep family and party divide.
2024 Lok Sabha Election Experience
Although Sunetra Pawar lost the Baramati seat, the election gave her strong public visibility. The contest positioned her as a serious political figure rather than just a leader’s spouse.
The campaign also helped her understand electoral dynamics and public expectations. This experience proved useful for her later political responsibilities.
Role as Rajya Sabha MP
After the Lok Sabha elections, Sunetra Pawar was nominated unopposed to the Rajya Sabha in mid-2024. This move provided her with a formal legislative platform at the national level.
Since taking the oath in June 2024, she has maintained around 69 percent attendance. She has participated in debates focused on Maharashtra-specific and policy-related issues.
Rajya Sabha Performance Snapshot
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| House | Rajya Sabha |
| Oath Taken | June 2024 |
| Attendance | Around 69 percent |
| Debates Participated | 4 |
| Focus Areas | Regional issues, policy matters |
Expected Portfolios as Deputy CM
Sunetra Pawar is expected to handle most of the portfolios previously managed by Ajit Pawar. However, Finance and Planning will temporarily remain with the Chief Minister.
This arrangement ensures administrative continuity during the ongoing budget preparations. Final adjustments are expected after a cabinet reshuffle.
Confirmed and Likely Departments
| Portfolio | Status |
|---|---|
| Excise | Confirmed |
| Sports | Confirmed |
| Minority Affairs | Likely |
| Finance | With CM temporarily |
| Planning | With CM temporarily |
Importance of Excise and Sports Portfolios
The Excise Department is a major revenue generator for the state. Handling this portfolio places Sunetra Pawar at the center of key fiscal decisions.
The Sports department is equally important for youth engagement and grassroots politics. Both portfolios are crucial ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
Non-MLA Status and Constitutional Provision
Sunetra Pawar is currently not a Member of the Legislative Assembly. As per constitutional rules, she has six months to get elected as an MLA.
Also Read: Ajit Pawar Family: All You Need to Know About His Wife, Sons, and Political Legacy
During this period, she can continue to function as Deputy Chief Minister. A by-election is expected to be announced in due course.
Leadership Style and Public Image
Sunetra Pawar is known for her soft-spoken and composed demeanor. Unlike many aggressive political figures, she maintains a low-profile and issue-focused approach.
Her background in social work adds credibility to her leadership. Many see her as a bridge between administration and grassroots welfare.
Historical Significance
Her appointment marks a historic moment for Maharashtra politics. She is the first woman to hold the Deputy Chief Minister’s post in the state.
This milestone is expected to encourage greater participation of women in state-level leadership roles. It also reshapes the traditional power dynamics in Maharashtra.
Conclusion
Sunetra Pawar’s rise reflects both personal resilience and political strategy. From social work to the state’s second-highest executive office, her journey is both symbolic and significant.
As Maharashtra watches closely, her performance in the coming months will define her legacy. For now, she stands as a historic figure and a stabilizing force during a challenging political phase.