English
English
English
Sunetra Pawar’s rapid elevation as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister has triggered fresh political churn. As Sharad Pawar claims he was not consulted and drops a merger bombshell, questions rise over NCP’s future and power equations.
Sunetra Pawar sworn in as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra
Mumbai: Just three days after the tragic death of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati, Maharashtra politics witnessed a dramatic turn. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, was sworn in as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday, marking one of the fastest political ascents in recent memory.
The 62-year-old was also appointed leader of the NCP legislature party, a role previously held by her late husband.
Sunetra Pawar’s appointment was swiftly endorsed by the ruling Mahayuti alliance, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis forwarding the party’s recommendation to Governor Acharya Devvrat. Senior NCP leaders, including Chhagan Bhujbal, publicly backed her elevation, with some even calling for her to take over as the national president of the NCP.
Sunetra Pawar takes oath as Maharashtra 1st woman Deputy CM after Ajit Pawar death
Bhujbal said the party’s MLAs believe Sunetra should shoulder the responsibilities once held by Ajit Pawar, arguing that continuity was necessary during a period of uncertainty.
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.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 31, 2026
However, the political narrative shifted when NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar claimed he was neither consulted nor informed about Sunetra’s oath-taking. Speaking in Baramati, the veteran leader said he learned about the ceremony through media reports.
Sharad Pawar also revealed that Ajit Pawar had intended to reunite the two rival NCP factions and had finalised February 12 as the date to announce the merger. “That was Ajit’s decision. Unfortunately, the accident happened before it could be announced,” he said.
Sharad Pawar’s claims were immediately disputed by Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare, who said the January 17 meeting between the uncle and nephew was related to agricultural issues and limited cooperation in local body elections. Tatkare stressed that there was no formal discussion on party reunification beyond municipal polls.
Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra as NCP chief? Party MLAs meet Maharashtra CM Fadnavis amid suspense
Sharad Pawar’s remarks underscored a clear separation between family ties and political decisions. He repeatedly distanced himself from Sunetra Pawar’s elevation, stating that the decision was taken solely by the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction.
The senior Pawar’s stance has fuelled speculation that Sunetra’s appointment may be temporary, especially if a reunion of the two factions eventually takes place.
Political observers believe that any merger without Ajit Pawar would shift control of the party back to Sharad Pawar, raising concerns among leaders who sided with Ajit during the 2023 split. A reunification could also jeopardise the NCP’s presence in the BJP-led Mahayuti government. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the BJP of rushing Sunetra Pawar’s oath-taking for political gain.
