A file image of NCP leader Sunetra Pawa.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday (January 31, 2026), in place of her husband, Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on Wednesday (January 28, 2026).
Sunetra Pawar oath ceremony LIVE
She is the first woman to serve as Deputy Chief Minister in the history of the State of Maharashtra. Ms. Pawar was elected as the leader of the NCP Legislature Party earlier in the day.
Ms. Pawar’s name was proposed by Chhagan Bhujbal and supported by the 45 party leaders, including Dilip Walse Patil.
Ms. Pawar is a member of neither of the Houses of Maharashtra. Her son Parth Pawar is speculated to replace her in the Rajya Sabha after she assumes the office as Deputy Chief Minister.
Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) morning, along with four others on board.
Published – January 31, 2026 05:19 pm IST
