Sunetra Pawar Poised to Make History as Maharashtra's First Woman Deputy Chief Minister
In a significant political development, Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar (62) is all set to become Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, stepping into the role previously held by her late husband, Ajit Pawar, who tragically lost his life in an air crash earlier this week. This move marks a historic moment as she will be the first woman to occupy this prestigious position in the state's political landscape.
Swearing-In and Party Leadership Transition
Sunetra Pawar is expected to be sworn in on Saturday, following a meeting of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislature party at 2 PM. During this gathering, she is anticipated to be elected as the chief of the NCP's legislature party, paving the way for her formal appointment as deputy chief minister by the evening. Senior NCP leader and food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed this development, stating, "Sunetra Pawar will be the deputy chief minister. There is consensus on this. There will be a meeting of the NCP legislature party and she will be elected to head it."
Consensus and Support from Key Figures
The decision has garnered widespread support within the NCP, with a delegation of senior leaders, including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Dhananjay Munde, meeting Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to apprise him of the nomination. Fadnavis, while refraining from direct comment, expressed his backing, saying, "They met me twice and explained their working method and the options. The final decision will be made by their party, and it is not appropriate for me to comment. We will support the Pawar family and the NCP in whatever they decide." Patel emphasized that there is no opposition to Sunetra's name, with the decision being made in consideration of party and public sentiment.
Political Background and Challenges Ahead
Despite her limited administrative and political experience, Sunetra Pawar comes from a deeply political family. She is the sister of the late Padamsinh Patil, who served as a cabinet minister in Maharashtra under Congress and Congress-NCP governments. Her political involvement includes active campaigning for Ajit Pawar and nursing his constituency, Baramati. She entered electoral politics in 2024, contesting the Baramati assembly seat but losing to Sharad Pawar's daughter, MP Supriya Sule, before becoming a Rajya Sabha MP.
Upon assuming the deputy CM's role, Sunetra may need to relinquish her MP seat and contest the Baramati bypoll, which has become vacant due to Ajit Pawar's demise. This adds a layer of complexity to her new responsibilities.
Speculation on Party Merger and Future Directions
Meanwhile, the question of a merger between Ajit Pawar's NCP and the NCP (SP) led by his uncle, Sharad Pawar, remains a topic of intense speculation. The parties recently contested local body polls together, fueling rumors of reconciliation. Several leaders from both sides have publicly advocated for a merger, citing that Ajit Pawar had finalized details before his death. However, some, like senior NCP minister Anil Patil, caution that there is no urgency, as Maharashtra does not face imminent elections, and the position of the family and NDA support must be considered.
This appointment not only honors the legacy of Ajit Pawar but also sets a precedent for women's leadership in Maharashtra politics, with Sunetra Pawar poised to navigate these challenges and shape the state's future governance.
