Sunetra Pawar makes history as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister

New Delhi: Sunetra Pawar took the oath of office on January 31, 2026, becoming Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister in a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. The event, presided over by Governor Acharya Devvrat, was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, senior ministers, legislators and family members.

The 62-year-old leader assumed the post following the tragic death of her husband, former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28.

Sunetra Pawar was earlier elected as the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) legislative group, clearing the way for her appointment to the state’s second-highest executive position. Soon after taking her oath, Sunetra Pawar shared an emotional message on social media, reflecting on her new role and her commitment to continuing her late husband’s work.

“Respected Ajitdada has given the mantra of living one’s entire life for farmers, labourers, women, youth, and deprived sections. Today, carrying forward the legacy of their thoughts with unwavering loyalty… my heart is truly overflowing as I accept this responsibility with a sense of duty,” she wrote. She also acknowledged the personal loss she has endured.

“Though the untimely passing of Dada has caused a mountain of sorrow to crash upon my heart, the true support I have is the duty-bound commitment, the strength to struggle, and the bond with the people that he taught me. I will continue to work tirelessly and honestly to realise the just, equality-based and developed Maharashtra of his dreams,” Sunetra Pawar added in her message.

Apart from making history as the first woman to hold the Deputy CM post in the state, Sunetra Pawar has been assigned key portfolios including state excise duty, sports and youth welfare, and minorities development.

These responsibilities position her to play an important role in delivering welfare programmes and strengthening social development initiatives across Maharashtra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her on X, noting that he was “confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfil the vision of the late Ajitdada Pawar.”

Her elevation comes at a pivotal moment in Maharashtra politics, as leaders rally to maintain stability and governance following the sudden loss of Ajit Pawar. Supporters present at the ceremony raised slogans celebrating his legacy, underscoring the emotional and symbolic weight of this transition in leadership.

Tags : Sunetra Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, Eknath Shine, Devendra Fadnavis