Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar is set to be sworn in as Maharashtra’s new Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday, according to media reports.
The post fell vacant earlier this week after the tragic death of senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati.
NCP Meet to Clear Her Name
The NCP has called a legislative party meeting at Vidhan Bhavan at 2 pm to formally endorse Sunetra Pawar’s name. The oath-taking ceremony is expected to take place later in the evening.
If confirmed, she will make history as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
STORY | Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra may take oath as Deputy CM on Sat; NCP merger talks on backburner
Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar is likely to be sworn-in as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday, replacing her late husband Ajit Pawar in the cabinet, said NCP.
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— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 30, 2026
Path Open for Assembly Entry
Although she is not currently a member of the Maharashtra legislature, the Baramati Assembly seat has fallen vacant following Ajit Pawar’s demise, creating a clear path for her induction into the state Assembly.
Party Signals Support
Senior state minister Chhagan Bhujbal earlier hinted at her elevation, saying there is strong sentiment within the party for Sunetra Pawar to take on the responsibilities left behind by her husband.
“Many believe she should be given this responsibility, and that demand is not unreasonable,” Bhujbal was quoted as saying.
The political move marks a major transition for the NCP and signals continuity in leadership following a sudden and tragic loss.
