Sunetra Pawar Sworn In as Maharashtra Deputy CM After Husband's Death
Sunetra Pawar Sworn In as Maharashtra Deputy CM After Husband's Death
Sunetra Pawar is sworn in as Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, three days after Ajit Pawar's death, taking charge with a focus on continuity and leadership.
In a swift political shift, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, three days after the death of her husband Ajit Pawar, who had held the post. She will shoulder most of his responsibilities, excluding the finance portfolio, and was unanimously elected as the NCP legislative party leader to pave the way for the new role.
The oath ceremony underscored a transitional period for the ruling coalition as the NCP continues to shape the leadership line. Pawar's move keeps the party's leadership within the Pawar family's political orbit while signaling continuity for the administration.
Sunetra reached Devgiri, her late husband's official residence in south Mumbai, for the oath ceremony, accompanied by her son Parth, as party colleagues watched the moment unfold.
The development drew a nod from the CM's camp, with the government and its BJP partners stressing their support for the NCP's decision. There has also been talk of attempts to reunify the two NCP factions, with plans reportedly on the calendar for February 12.
However, not all leaders spoke with the same certainty. Some, including Sharad Pawar, said they had no advance knowledge of the move, highlighting the delicate and evolving dynamics within the party as it navigates leadership and alliance shifts.
