Sunetra Pawar Sworn in as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister

Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday, days after the sudden death of her husband and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. The speed of the decision surprised many, especially given the personal tragedy the Pawar family is still grappling with.

According to sources within the NCP, Sunetra Pawar was initially reluctant to take on the role. Party leaders say she agreed “with a heavy heart” after listening to senior leaders and Ajit Pawar’s loyalists, who felt that his political vision and organisational work should not be left unfinished.

Why Sunetra Pawar agreed despite initial hesitation

NCP sources told News18 that Sunetra Pawar did not immediately want to enter active politics at such a critical moment. However, after Ajit Pawar’s death, there was growing concern among his supporters about the future of the faction he led. Many felt that without a clear leadership signal, the party structure could weaken further.

Leaders close to the family said Sunetra Pawar viewed the decision as a responsibility rather than an ambition. In their view, stepping in was a way to protect the party Ajit Pawar had built over the years, especially after the NCP split. Despite being in mourning, she agreed to take charge to ensure continuity and stability.

Background: Ajit Pawar and the NCP split

Before his death, Ajit Pawar had split the Nationalist Congress Party into two factions—one led by him and the other led by party founder Sharad Pawar. Ajit Pawar’s faction joined the BJP–Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti government, while the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) remained in the Opposition along with the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT).

Ajit Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister in the Maharashtra government at the time of his death. His sudden demise left a leadership vacuum within his faction, prompting urgent discussions among party leaders about the next steps.

The swearing-in ceremony

Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister at the Lok Bhavan in Mumbai on Saturday evening. Earlier in the day, she was named leader of the NCP legislature party at a meeting held in Mumbai. She arrived from Baramati and held consultations with senior party leaders before the oath-taking.

Speaking earlier in the day, Sharad Pawar said there had been no discussion with Sunetra Pawar regarding her swearing-in. He added that leaders like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare were senior figures in Ajit Pawar’s faction and it was their party’s prerogative to decide its leadership and political course.

Why the haste?

Sources say there was a strong feeling within Ajit Pawar’s camp that delaying the oath-taking could weaken their position, especially at a time when talks of a merger between the two NCP factions are gaining momentum. Loyalists believed that a clear leadership announcement was necessary before any major political negotiations.

There is also a view within the party that if a merger were to happen, Sharad Pawar’s influence would be significant due to his stature and experience. In that context, Ajit Pawar’s supporters felt it was important to first consolidate their own faction under Sunetra Pawar’s leadership.

What about the NCP merger talks?

Speculation about a reunion of the two NCP factions has intensified after Ajit Pawar’s death. Leaders from both sides have indicated that reunification was something Ajit Pawar himself had wanted.

Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that bringing the two factions together was Ajit Pawar’s long-held wish and that discussions in this regard had been positive. He claimed that Ajit Pawar had planned to announce the merger in February.

Party sources say the family and senior leaders decided to prioritise organisational stability first. According to them, Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in was seen as the first step, after which formal talks on a merger with the other faction and alliance partners would move forward.

What lies ahead

Sunetra Pawar’s entry into the state’s top political leadership marks a significant moment in Maharashtra politics. While she steps into the role amid personal loss, her appointment is being seen as an attempt to preserve Ajit Pawar’s political legacy and maintain balance within a fractured party.

How the merger talks progress and how Sunetra Pawar navigates the complex dynamics between the two NCP factions will shape the party’s future—and potentially Maharashtra’s political landscape—in the weeks ahead.