The Impressive TimesMumbai, January 30, 2026: Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late political veteran Ajit Pawar, is set to take the oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday, January 31, at 5:00 PM, senior party leaders confirmed on Friday.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has also announced that Sunetra Pawar will be elected as the party’s legislature leader during an NCP legislators’ meeting at Vidhan Bhavan at 2:00 PM on Saturday, according to Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal.
The announcement comes amid efforts by the ruling Mahayuti alliance — comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), and the NCP — to swiftly stabilize the state’s political situation following the sudden death of Ajit Pawar.
Ajit Pawar, a four-time Deputy Chief Minister and a key NCP leader, died on Wednesday, January 28, in a plane accident near Baramati Airport in Pune district. The Learjet 45 aircraft he was traveling in veered off the runway while attempting to land and crashed, killing all on board, including the crew and his security personnel.
The 66-year-old leader was en route to his hometown to participate in events ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections when the accident occurred, officials said.
Currently a Rajya Sabha member, Sunetra Pawar does not hold a seat in the Maharashtra state legislature. However, the Baramati Assembly seat has become vacant following her husband’s death, setting the stage for her entry into state politics.
Sources within the NCP say senior leaders and grassroots workers have urged the party to elevate Sunetra Pawar into a leadership role to carry forward the political legacy and maintain stability in the region.
Minister Chhagan Bhujbal told reporters that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed support for Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in. Bhujbal said that during Friday’s discussions, many legislators expressed a desire to see her take on the deputy chief ministerial post.
“The NCP legislature party meeting on Saturday will formally elect her as leader. Leaders and workers alike have voiced support for her becoming Deputy CM,” Bhujbal stated.
Sunetra Pawar’s elevation is seen as a strategic move by the NCP and the Mahayuti alliance to ensure continuity and political balance in the aftermath of Ajit Pawar’s sudden passing.
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