Sunetra Pawar, Wife Of Ajit Pawar, Set To Become Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy CM, Oath On Saturday

A day after the tragic death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, political circles in Maharashtra are abuzz with indications that his wife Sunetra Pawar is set to take over his responsibilities.

Party sources say Sunetra Pawar has agreed to step in as Deputy Chief Minister, a move that would make her the first woman to hold the post in the state.

The oath-taking ceremony is expected to take place on Saturday evening, with preparations already underway at Raj Bhavan.

Oath-taking likely on Saturday evening

According to Nationalist Congress Party sources, the swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held at 5 pm on Saturday. Along with assuming the role of Deputy Chief Minister, Sunetra Pawar is also expected to take charge as the party's chief.

This development comes at a time when discussions around the possible merger of the two NCP factions have intensified, a move several leaders have described as Ajit Pawar's "last wish".

Senior NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare and Dhananjay Munde met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Varsha Bungalow on Friday to discuss the transition.

CM Fadnavis signals readiness for immediate ceremony

Speaking to reporters at the NCP office, Bhujbal said that the Chief Minister had no objection to an immediate oath-taking, provided the party's legislature wing formally takes a decision.

"Chief Minister Fadnavis has conveyed that he has no issues if her oath-taking ceremony as the deputy Chief Minister takes place on Saturday itself, provided a decision to that effect is taken by the legislature wing of the party," Bhujbal said.

Ajit Pawar's NCP faction is currently part of the ruling alliance with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The rival NCP faction, led by Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, remains in the opposition along with the Congress and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena.

Key portfolios likely to be reshuffled

Ajit Pawar had held several crucial departments including Finance, Planning and State Excise, along with additional charge of Sports and Youth Welfare and Minority Development. Party sources indicated that a major reshuffle is on the cards.

"The Finance and Planning portfolios are likely to be handed over to the BJP," said sources familiar with the discussions.

The redistribution of responsibilities is expected to be finalised after the legislature party meeting.

NCP legislature meeting to decide leadership

Sunil Tatkare confirmed that a meeting of NCP legislators will be held on Saturday afternoon to finalise the leadership decision.

"The Nationalist Congress Party MLAs' meeting will be held tomorrow at 2 pm. As the State President, I have called this meeting. Legislative Council members, Assembly members, and MPs all will be present. The meeting will conclude in everyone's presence. The NCP chief will be picked. CM Fadnavis will be informed about it."

Earlier, Bhujbal had also stated that the legislative party meeting scheduled for January 31 would formally name Sunetra Pawar as its leader.

Although Sunetra Pawar is currently a Rajya Sabha MP and not a member of the Maharashtra legislature, the Baramati Assembly seat in Pune district has fallen vacant following Ajit Pawar's death.

Addressing questions on the timing of the ceremony, Bhujbal said, "(Senior NCP leaders) Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare are looking into the technicalities of the mourning period and other finer details...Sometimes, there is a three-day mourning period and sometimes ten days."

He added that the final call would be taken during the legislature party meeting later on Saturday.