Sunetra Pawar set to take oath as Maharashtra Deputy CM; Sharad Pawar says he was unaware

Mumbai witnessed rapid political movement on Saturday as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) prepared to swear in Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister. Party leaders said the ceremony would mark a historic moment, as Sunetra Pawar would become the first woman to hold the post in the state.

This development follows the sudden death of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier this week. In response, the NCP moved quickly to stabilise leadership in Maharashtra and signal continuity in governance. As a result, senior leaders rallied behind Sunetra Pawar as the party’s top choice.

However, the announcement triggered sharp political reactions. NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar said he had no prior knowledge of the decision. He stated that he was not part of any discussion on appointing Sunetra Pawar as deputy chief minister. At the same time, he revealed that talks on reuniting the two NCP factions had already begun and were scheduled for February 12.

Meanwhile, party sources outlined the day’s schedule. First, the NCP legislature party planned a meeting of nearly 40 MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai at 2 pm. During this meeting, the party expected to formally elect Sunetra Pawar as its legislature party leader. Next, the swearing-in ceremony was likely to take place at Lok Bhavan around 5 pm. Leaders indicated that the event would remain low key.

In addition, senior functionaries stressed the need for quick decisions. They said the party wanted to avoid uncertainty after Ajit Pawar’s death. Therefore, it chose a familiar and trusted leader to take charge. Sunetra Pawar, they noted, enjoys strong support within the party.

Chhagan Bhujbal, the food and civil supplies minister, publicly confirmed the decision. He said the party had backed Sunetra Pawar’s name for both legislature party leader and deputy chief minister. According to him, the leadership wanted unity and stability at a critical moment.

Sunetra Pawar’s political journey has evolved steadily in recent years. She entered the Rajya Sabha on June 18, 2024. That came after she contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but failed to secure a win. Since then, she has remained active in party affairs and national politics.

However, her appointment also raises constitutional questions. At present, she is not a member of the Maharashtra विधानसभा. Therefore, she must either win a bypoll or secure a seat in the Legislative Council within the stipulated time. Notably, the Baramati assembly seat, earlier represented by Ajit Pawar, is due for a bypoll within six months.

At the same time, uncertainty continues over portfolio allocation. Party leaders have not clarified whether Sunetra Pawar will handle key departments previously managed by Ajit Pawar, including the finance ministry. Sources said the leadership would take a final call after the oath ceremony.

Politically, the move signals both continuity and change. On one hand, the NCP aims to retain control and reassure allies. On the other, Sharad Pawar’s remarks highlight internal communication gaps and ongoing factional dynamics.

As Maharashtra watches closely, Saturday’s oath-taking could redefine the state’s political landscape. For now, all eyes remain on Lok Bhavan and the choices the NCP makes in the hours ahead.