Setting goals as the state’s first woman deputy chief minister, Sunetra Pawar aims to start work once the mourning period ends. The oath-taking ceremony was kept low-key, unlike the usual swearing-in events that feature bouquets, bands, and large gatherings
Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as deputy CM at Lok Bhavan on Saturday. She shared the dais with CM Devendra Fadnavis and fellow deputy CM Eknath Shinde, as well as Governor Acharya Devvrat. Pics/Ashish Raje
Sunetra Ajit Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, creating history as the first woman to hold the post in the state. Her husband, the late Ajit Pawar, had earlier set a record by serving as deputy chief minister six times. She replaced Ajit after he died in a plane accident on January 28. On Saturday evening, Sunetra Pawar was administered the oath of office by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat at Lok Bhavan (formerly known as Raj Bhavan) in Mumbai.
The oath-taking ceremony was kept low-key, unlike the usual swearing-in events that feature flower bouquets, bands, and large gatherings. Immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, Sunetra Pawar, along with her other family members, is said to have left for Baramati.
The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and senior leaders of the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal.
During the oath-taking ceremony, supporters of the late Ajit Pawar raised slogans such as “Amar rahe, amar rahe, Ajit Dada amar rahe” and “Ekach vada, Ajit Dada.”Sunetra Pawar was elected to the Rajya Sabha in June 2024. On Saturday, she submitted her resignation as a Rajya Sabha (Member of Parliament) before taking the oath as a Maharashtra Cabinet minister.
She is expected to resume her duties and take charge at the Mantralaya as deputy chief minister only after the 12-day mourning period ends. Late Ajit Pawar was handling the crucial portfolio of finance and planning, too. Sunetra Pawar was born in 1963 in Dharashiv (earlier known as Osmanabad). Her father, Bajirao Patil, and her brother, Padamsinh Bajirao Patil, were influential political figures in Maharashtra. Padamsinh Patil, a former Maharashtra Cabinet minister and ex-Osmanabad Lok Sabha MP, is also known as a close associate of Sharad Pawar.
NCP (SP) head Sharad Pawar said he was not aware of the decision to appoint Sunetra Pawar as deputy CM
Meanwhile, talks of a possible reunion between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party, one earlier headed by the late Ajit Pawar and the other led by Sharad Pawar, are likely to face a hurdle. On Saturday morning, while addressing the media in Baramati, Sharad Pawar said he was not aware of any decision regarding Sunetra Pawar taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister. “I am not aware of any development on the deputy chief minister post. No one discussed this issue with me,” he said.
Senior NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal and Hasan Mushrif arrive at Lok Bhavan for the ceremony
PM tweets
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, (@narendramodi)
“Best wishes to Sunetra Pawar Ji as she begins her tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra; the first woman to hold this responsibility. I am confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfil the vision of the late Ajitdada Pawar”
First statement
Sunetra Pawar, (@SunetraA_Pawar)
“Respected Ajitdada has given the mantra of living one’s entire life for farmers, labourers, women, youth, and deprived sections. Today, carrying forward the legacy of their thoughts with unwavering loyalty to the principles of ‘Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar’, my heart is truly overflowing as I accept the responsibility of the Deputy Chief Minister position with a sense of duty. Though the untimely passing of Dada has caused a mountain of sorrow to crash upon my heart, the true support I have is the duty-bound commitment, the strength to struggle, and the bond with the people that he taught me. I will continue to work tirelessly and honestly to realize the just, equality-based, and developed Maharashtra of his dreams. In these difficult times, the love and support from the people of Maharashtra is my true strength. With the power of your trust, illuminating Dada’s ideals, I will keep moving forward with new hope”
Will Sunetra be the guardian minister of Pune and Beed too?
Late Ajit Pawar was the guardian minister of Pune and Beed. After the NCP leader’s demise, party workers and leaders are demanding that Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar be given charge of the two districts. “However, it is the prerogative of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to decide on this matter,” NCP leader Prakash Solanke said.
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