Sunetra Pawar Makes History as Maharashtra's First Female Deputy Chief Minister
In a historic and emotionally charged ceremony in Mumbai on Saturday evening, Sunetra Pawar, aged 62, was sworn in as the first woman deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. This significant appointment comes just three days after the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in an air crash, marking a swift political transition in the state.
Emotional Swearing-In Ceremony Amidst Family Tensions
The swearing-in, conducted by state governor Acharya Devvrat, was filled with poignant moments as workers from Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) raised slogans such as 'Ajit Pawar Amar Rahe' and 'Ekach Vaada, Ajit Dada' during the proceedings. However, the event also highlighted underlying family discord, with Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar's uncle and chief of the NCP (SP), stating that he was not informed about the ceremony, indicating ongoing unease within the larger Pawar family despite their recent unity at Ajit Pawar's funeral.
Portfolio Allocation and Finance Department Dynamics
Following the ceremony, Sunetra Pawar was allocated all the portfolios previously held by her husband, with the notable exception of the crucial finance portfolio. This key department remains under the control of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who will temporarily manage it. The finance portfolio is part of the NCP's quota within the Mahayuti alliance, sparking speculation about whether the BJP might eventually take it over. According to BJP sources, a final decision on this matter will be made after the upcoming budget session of the state legislature, with Fadnavis set to present the budget in approximately 20 days.
"Since the budget session will take place in 20 days, the NCP had asked the CM to hold the portfolio, and the decision was taken jointly. He will be presenting the budget," a source explained, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this arrangement.
Political Implications and Future Roles for Sunetra Pawar
As a current Rajya Sabha MP, Sunetra Pawar now faces the requirement to be elected as an MLA or MLC within six months. She is likely to contest the bypoll for the Baramati assembly seat, which became vacant following her husband's death. Addressing criticisms about the rapidity of her appointment, senior NCP politician Anil Patil defended the move, stating, "It is the need of the moment. There was no choice." NCP leaders emphasized the importance of projecting stability, particularly with zilla parishad elections on the horizon.
Looking ahead, the NCP must also decide on a successor to Ajit Pawar as party chief. Several legislators have voiced support for Sunetra Pawar to assume this role, along with other positions he held. MLA Prakash Solanke expressed, "We feel that she should get all the roles held by Ajit Pawar, including the role of national party chief, guardian minister of Beed and Pune, and his portfolios."
Unanimous Election and Legislative Authority
Earlier on the day of her swearing-in, Sunetra Pawar was unanimously elected as the head of the NCP legislature party. This election, supported by 45 out of 48 present NCP legislators, grants her the authority to issue whips and make decisions regarding the party's legislative activities. The proposals for her election were moved by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and seconded by senior politicians including Hasan Mushrif, Dilip Walse Patil, Sanjay Bansode, and Narhari Zirwal, showcasing broad party backing for her new leadership role.
