L to R: Maharashra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (Bharatiya Janata Party), Governor Acharya Devvrat, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Sunetra Pawar (Nationalist Congress Party - Ajit Pawar faction).
Maharashtra Gets First Woman Deputy Chief Minister
Mumbai: Maharashtra entered a new chapter in its political history on January 31, 2026, with Sunetra Ajit Pawar taking oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state, becoming the first woman to hold the office since the post was created. Her swearing-in marked a moment of both political transition and symbolic significance, reflecting continuity in leadership as well as a breakthrough for women in the state’s executive authority.
The oath of office was administered at Raj Bhavan in the presence of Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, senior ministers, and leaders from the ruling coalition. The ceremony came amid an emotionally charged atmosphere following the recent demise of Sunetra’s husband, Ajit Pawar, whose sudden death had created a leadership vacuum within his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party and the state government.
Ajit Pawar was a central figure in Maharashtra politics and served as the head of the Nationalist Congress Party faction that was part of the ruling coalition government in the state. He also held the office of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra at the time of his death and was widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in the state’s contemporary political landscape. Known for his administrative experience and strong organisational control, Ajit Pawar had played a key role in shaping the coalition’s governance agenda and in steering major policy decisions affecting agriculture, infrastructure and regional development.
Sunetra Pawar’s elevation was formally endorsed by the legislators of the Nationalist Congress Party faction led earlier by Ajit Pawar, who unanimously chose her as their leader in the state legislature. Her appointment ensures political stability in the government at a time when Maharashtra is preparing for major policy decisions and administrative challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Sunetra Pawar, underlining the national importance of her appointment. In a public message, he expressed confidence in her ability to carry forward the work and vision of her late husband. The Prime Minister posted on X:
“Best wishes to Sunetra Pawar Ji as she begins her tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the first woman to hold this responsibility. I am confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfil the vision of the late Ajitdada Pawar.”
In a separate statement, the Prime Minister reiterated that Sunetra Pawar’s assumption of office reflected both the trust reposed in her by her party colleagues and the expectation that she would focus on development and public welfare in line with Ajit Pawar’s political legacy.
Sunetra Pawar, who until recently maintained a relatively low public political profile, has gradually stepped into active politics over the past two years. She first entered the electoral arena in the 2024 general elections, contesting the prestigious Baramati constituency, a traditional stronghold of the Pawar family. Though she lost that contest to Supriya Sule, her campaign marked her formal arrival in mainstream politics. In June 2024, she was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra, strengthening her position within the party and giving her a national parliamentary role.
Born into a politically influential family, Sunetra Pawar is the sister of Padamsinh Patil, a former Union Minister and Member of Parliament. She married Ajit Pawar in 1985 and has largely remained away from frontline politics for decades, focusing on social initiatives and organisational work. Her sudden rise to executive office has therefore been viewed as both a personal transition and a strategic move by the party to preserve continuity and unity after Ajit Pawar’s death.
Political observers note that her appointment carries wider significance beyond party lines. Maharashtra, despite having had women leaders in prominent roles in national and state politics, had never before appointed a woman as Deputy Chief Minister. Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in thus represents a milestone in the state’s political evolution and is being seen as a moment of representation for women in top executive positions.
Speaking after taking the oath, Sunetra Pawar said she would dedicate herself to public service and work in accordance with the ideals and development agenda championed by her late husband. “It will be my duty to fulfil the dream that Ajitdada saw for the upliftment and empowerment of women, farmers and every section of society. My goal will be to build a strong Maharashtra by carrying forward each of his commitments in the spirit of his efforts,” she said. She also thanked party leaders and coalition partners for placing their trust in her at what she described as a deeply emotional time for her family. Her immediate responsibilities will include overseeing key departments allocated to her in the state cabinet, while also fulfilling the constitutional requirement of becoming a member of the Maharashtra Legislature within six months of her appointment.
As Maharashtra adjusts to this significant political development, Sunetra Pawar’s tenure is being closely watched both for its administrative direction and for the way it reshapes the narrative of women’s leadership in the state. Her appointment blends continuity with change, linking the legacy of Ajit Pawar with a historic first for Maharashtra’s governance structure.
– global bihari bureau
