In a historic political transition, Sunetra Pawar was formally sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday, becoming the first woman to occupy this prestigious position in the state’s governance. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Indian regional politics while simultaneously representing a poignant moment of personal and political succession.
The oath-taking ceremony, conducted at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, occurred under solemn circumstances. Ms. Pawar assumes the role previously held by her husband, Ajit Pawar, who tragically perished in a plane crash near Baramati on January 28. The event was attended by prominent state leaders including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, signaling unified support for the appointment.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his official congratulations through social media platform X, expressing confidence in Ms. Pawar’s capabilities. “Best wishes to Sunetra Pawar Ji as she begins her tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the first woman to hold this responsibility,” Modi stated. “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.”
The new Deputy Chief Minister has been allocated key governmental portfolios including state excise duty, Sports and Youth Welfare, and Minorities Development & Aukaf departments. Notably, the critical Planning and Finance ministries, previously managed by her late husband, have been temporarily reassigned to Chief Minister Fadnavis.
The political gathering witnessed the presence of senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) figures including Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, State President Sunil Tatkare, Working President Praful Patel, and Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, demonstrating broad-based party endorsement of this landmark appointment.