Sunetra Pawar Takes Oath as Maharashtra's First Woman Deputy Chief Minister
In a historic political development, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday, marking a significant transition in the state's leadership. The 62-year-old Rajya Sabha MP steps into the role previously held by her late husband, Ajit Pawar, who served as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and deputy CM until his untimely demise.
A Momentous Political Ascension
Sunetra Pawar's oath-taking ceremony, held in Mumbai, represents a pivotal moment in Maharashtra's political landscape. Despite not being a member of either house of the state legislature, she was formally elected as the leader of the NCP legislature wing during a party meeting earlier in the day. This strategic move paves the way for her to assume the deputy chief minister's position, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious office in Maharashtra's history.
From Low Profile to Leadership
Until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sunetra Pawar maintained a relatively low public profile. Her political journey saw her contest from Baramati as an NCP candidate, though she lost to her sister-in-law and incumbent NCP (SP) MP, Supriya Sule. Following this, she secured a seat in the Rajya Sabha, demonstrating her growing influence within the party. Senior NCP leader and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed the party's decision to formally name her as the legislature wing leader, solidifying her path to the deputy CM role.
Family and Party Dynamics
The decision has sparked discussions within political circles, particularly regarding the Pawar family and NCP factions. After Ajit Pawar's death, speculation about a possible reunification of NCP groups intensified. However, sources from NCP (SP) and Sharad Pawar's family indicated they were unaware of Sunetra Pawar's move to join the BJP-led Mahayuti government. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed the BJP's support for any decision made by Ajit Pawar's family and the NCP, highlighting the collaborative nature of the state's coalition politics.
Sharad Pawar's Response
In a notable development, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar distanced himself from the swearing-in ceremony. He stated that he learned about Sunetra Pawar's oath-taking through media reports and emphasized that the decision appeared to have been taken solely by the NCP. Reflecting on his late nephew's aspirations, Sharad Pawar mentioned that Ajit Pawar had desired to unite both NCP factions, with ongoing efforts in that direction prior to his passing.
This transition underscores the evolving dynamics within Maharashtra's political sphere, as Sunetra Pawar embarks on her new role amidst both personal tragedy and public expectation. Her leadership is poised to shape the state's governance in the coming months, with observers keenly watching her policy initiatives and administrative approach.
