Sunetra Pawar Set to Make History as Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy CM: A Political Dynasty’s New Chapter

Sunetra Pawar to be named NCP leader, to take oath as Maha dy CM tomorrow: Chhagan Bhujbal

In a stunning and historic development that has sent shockwaves through the political corridors of Maharashtra, **Sunetra Pawar** is on the cusp of making history. Following the tragic death of her husband, the long-serving Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, she is now poised to step into his formidable shoes, becoming the state’s first-ever woman Deputy Chief Minister.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is scheduled to hold a crucial legislature party meeting on January 31, 2026, where she is expected to be formally named as the party’s legislative leader—a necessary step before her swearing-in ceremony, which could happen as early as tomorrow, Saturday, February 1st [[1]].

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A Dynasty in Mourning, A Legacy to Uphold

The sudden and tragic death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28, 2026, left a massive void not just in his family but in the entire Mahayuti ruling coalition [[9]]. For over three decades, ‘Dada’ Ajit Pawar was the undisputed strongman of the Baramati region and a central figure in Maharashtra’s power dynamics, serving six non-consecutive terms as Deputy CM [[15]]. His passing wasn’t just a personal loss; it was a major political earthquake.

Now, the mantle appears to be passing to his wife, **Sunetra Pawar**, a Rajya Sabha MP who has largely stayed away from the day-to-day rough-and-tumble of state politics. Her elevation is seen by many as a strategic move to maintain the stability of the Pawar family’s political stronghold and to ensure continuity within the NCP faction that was led by her husband [[4]].

The Path to Power for Sunetra Pawar

The transition, while swift, is not without its formalities. The key steps in this process are clear:

  1. NCP Legislature Meeting: On January 31, the NCP’s MLAs will convene to officially elect **Sunetra Pawar** as their leader in the state assembly. Reports suggest she enjoys the backing of over 90% of the party’s MLAs, indicating a strong consensus [[4]].
  2. Chief Minister’s Nod: Incumbent Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already indicated he has no objections to her appointment, a crucial green light from the head of the coalition government [[1]].
  3. Oath of Office: Once the party leadership is formalized, the swearing-in ceremony at the Raj Bhavan is expected to follow immediately, potentially on Saturday, February 1st [[1]].

This rapid sequence of events underscores the urgency within the ruling alliance to fill the powerful Deputy CM post and prevent any potential instability or power vacuum.

Political Implications of a New Deputy CM

The appointment of **Sunetra Pawar** carries immense symbolic and practical weight. If sworn in, she will not only be the first woman to hold the post of Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra but will also be tasked with managing the complex portfolios her husband once controlled, such as water resources and finance.

Furthermore, this move comes at a time when talks of a reunion between the two warring factions of the NCP—led by Sharad Pawar and the late Ajit Pawar—were at an advanced stage [[33]]. Her ascension could either accelerate these merger talks, with Sharad Pawar potentially playing a more central role from the national level, or it could solidify the existing faction as a distinct entity under new, albeit familial, leadership [[32]].

What This Means for Maharashtra’s Government

For the Mahayuti government, a stable transition is paramount. The coalition, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, relies heavily on the balance of power each partner brings. The NCP’s significant number of MLAs is a critical pillar of this government’s majority.

By installing a trusted family member like **Sunetra Pawar**, the coalition aims to:

  • Maintain the loyalty of the NCP’s legislative wing.
  • Ensure a smooth continuation of ongoing government projects and policies in key ministries.
  • Project an image of unity and resilience in the face of a major tragedy.

However, questions remain about her administrative experience and her ability to command the same authority as her late husband in the high-stakes world of state governance. Her initial months in office will be a critical test of her political acumen.

Conclusion: A New Era for Maharashtra Politics?

The imminent swearing-in of **Sunetra Pawar** as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister marks a pivotal moment. It is a story of legacy, resilience, and the enduring power of political dynasties in India. While it offers a path to stability for the current government, it also opens a new chapter filled with challenges and expectations. All eyes will be on her as she navigates this uncharted territory, carrying forward a legacy while attempting to carve out her own identity in the annals of Maharashtra’s political history. For more on the evolving political landscape, see our coverage on [INTERNAL_LINK:maharashtra-politics].

Sources

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