Sunetra Pawar Sworn In: Maharashtra Gets Its First Woman Deputy CM After Ajit Pawar’s Demise
Mumbai, Janaury 31, 2026: In a historic shift for Maharashtra politics, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the state’s first-ever woman Deputy Chief Minister today, January 31, 2026. The ceremony, held at the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan at 5:00 PM, marks a poignant transition as she steps into the role left vacant by her husband, the late Ajit Pawar, who tragically passed away in a plane crash earlier this week.
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony: A Historic Milestone
Administered by Governor Acharya Devvrat, the oath-taking ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and top brass of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Sunetra Pawar, often referred to as ‘Vahini’ by party supporters, accepted the responsibility following a unanimous election as the NCP Legislature Party Leader earlier this afternoon.
“The decision was made to ensure stability and continuity,” stated senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who proposed her name. “Sunetra Vahini has the support of all 40 party legislators as we navigate this period of mourning and transition.”
📍लोकभवन, मुंबई #शपथविधी सोहळ्याचे #थेटप्रसारण …#LIVE
— MAHARASHTRA DGIPR (@MahaDGIPR) January 31, 2026
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Maharashtra First Woman Deputy Chief Minister: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Sunetra Pawar’s appointment is a landmark event in the state’s 66-year history. While Maharashtra has seen powerful women leaders, the post of Deputy CM had remained elusive until now. Currently a sitting Rajya Sabha MP, Sunetra will be required to secure a seat in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly or Council within the next six months. It is widely speculated she may contest the by-poll for the Baramati Assembly seat, which became vacant following her husband’s death.
NCP Ajit Pawar News Today: Portfolio and Political Strategy
While the state continues its three-day mourning period, the Mahayuti alliance has moved swiftly to fill the leadership vacuum.
- Portfolios: Sunetra Pawar is expected to take charge of the State Excise and Sports ministries.
- Finance Portfolio: In a strategic move, CM Devendra Fadnavis will temporarily oversee the Finance portfolio until the March budget session, after which it is expected to return to the NCP.
This appointment also puts a temporary pause on the widely discussed merger between the two NCP factions. Reports suggest that a merger, originally finalized by Ajit Pawar for February 12, remains on the horizon, though the current focus is on the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections on February 7.
The Shadow of the Ajit Pawar Plane Crash
The backdrop of today’s ceremony remains somber. The state is still reeling from the Ajit Pawar plane crash on January 28, where a Learjet 45XR went down near Baramati Airport, claiming five lives. The CID and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are currently investigating the cause, with preliminary reports citing poor visibility.
CM Fadnavis reiterated the government’s support, stating, “We stand firmly with the Pawar family and the NCP. This is an immeasurable loss, but the administration must ensure that the dreams Ajit Dada had for Maharashtra continue to move forward.”
