NCP's Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar will be sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, replacing her deceased husband and party chief Ajit Pawar, at the Lok Bhavan in Mumbai at 5 pm

Ajit Pawar, who was deputy chief minister and finance minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government, was killed in a plane crash in Baramati along with four others on January 28 

Seating arrangements being put in place at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan ahead of the oath ceremony 

Staff decorate the venue for Sunetra Pawar’s oath-taking as Deputy Chief Minister

An upper view of Maharashtra Lok Bhavan as preparations continue for the swearing-in ceremony, with seating and stage arrangements

Staff working against time to ensure smooth conduct of the oath-taking event

Workers clean the outside area of Lok Bhavan before the high-profile event

As the clock ticks closer to 5 pm, all eyes are on Lok Bhavan, where Sunetra Pawar is set to take the oath and step into Maharashtra’s political spotlight.