In a spirit of both sadness and political resolve, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra today. The ceremony took place at Lok Bhavan (formerly Raj Bhavan), filled with tearful exchanges as supporters of the late Ajit Pawar gathered around the altar to sing songs of “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” (Long live Ajit Dada) with deep, strong-seated memories of the leader who died in a serious plane crash about three days ago.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
With a solemn yet swift ceremony, Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sunetra Pawar. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and leading NCP figures Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal attended the event. The Historical Moment: Sunetra Pawar is the first woman Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra’s 66-year history.
Symbol of Continuity
Dressed in a simple saree, an emotionally affected Sunetra acknowledged floral tributes to a picture of her late husband as she went on stage. Her stage presence symbolized a determination not to let any unfinished developmental plans from his later life go undone.
Consensus and Leadership
She was approved as the appointee earlier today in the NCP Legislature Party meeting at Vidhan Bhavan at 2:00 PM. Anointing Her: Her name was recommended by veteran leader Dilip Walse Patil and seconded by Chhagan Bhujbal. Over 40 NCP MLAs converged to elect her as the leader of the legislature party.
Portfolio Management
Sunetra will lead under the Excise and Sports ministries, but the high-leverage Finance portfolio will temporarily remain with CM Devendra Fadnavis for a smooth transition to the next budget session.
Echoes of ‘Ajit Dada’ at Lok Bhavan
The standard forms of Raj Bhavan were briefly drowned out by the unadulterated passions of NCP employees. “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” slogans grew louder as Sunetra Pawar signed the register, which was a tribute to the deep personal bond the cadre had with the deceased leader. “This is not a celebration but a responsibility born from tragedy,” said Sunil Tatkare, NCP State President. “The slogans are a gentle reminder of what Dada did even when he was gone, and that his vision for Maharashtra transcends to Sunetra Vahini.”
The Road Ahead
Sunetra Pawar is one of the Rajya Sabha MPs and is expected to resign soon from the Upper House of Parliament. To take up her new job, she will stand for election for the seat in the Baramati Assembly, which was represented by Ajit Pawar for eight consecutive terms. Her elder son Parth Pawar is also rumored to be nominated to fill her vacant Rajya Sabha seat.
