Sunetra Pawar Set To Take Oath As Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister
Sunetra Pawar Set To Take Oath As Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister
Mumbai, January 31, 2026: Sunetra Ajit Pawar is set to create history by becoming the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, following her unanimous election as the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislature party on Friday, just hours before the scheduled oath-taking ceremony.
The decision was taken at a meeting of NCP legislators held at the Vidhan Bhavan, where party leaders unanimously endorsed her leadership. The development comes days after the tragic death of NCP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash on Wednesday morning, leaving the post vacant.
Sunetra Pawar, popularly referred to as “Vahini” within party circles, is expected to assume charge of most of the portfolios earlier held by Ajit Pawar, barring the Finance and Planning departments, according to sources. Her elevation is seen as a move to ensure continuity in governance and stability within the ruling coalition during a sensitive period.
Oath Ceremony at Raj Bhavan
Sunetra Pawar will be sworn in at 5:00 PM today at Raj Bhavan. Officials said the oath-taking ceremony will be a brief and low-key event, restricted to essential administrative formalities. Attendance will be limited to the Chief Minister, select cabinet ministers, the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police (DGP), and a few family members.
Legislative Requirement
Although Sunetra Pawar is not currently a member of the Maharashtra legislature, constitutional provisions allow her to take oath as a minister. However, she will be required to secure election to either the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council within six months to continue in office.
Background and Profile
Born in 1963 in Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad), Sunetra Pawar comes from a family with deep political roots. Her father, Padamsinh Bajirao Patil, was a prominent regional leader, while her brother Bajirao Patil was an influential figure in district politics during the 1980s.
As a trustee of Vidya Pratishthan, she supervises academic and administrative operations for over 25,000 students.
Known for her clean public image and involvement in social initiatives, Sunetra Pawar’s elevation marks a significant political milestone for Maharashtra and a major transition for the NCP at a crucial juncture.
