Mumbai, January 31, 2026: In a significant political development, Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra today. The ceremony took place at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, where Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath of office. This appointment marks a historic milestone for the state, as she becomes the first woman to hold the position of deputy chief minister in Maharashtra.
The decision followed a meeting of the Nationalist Congress Party legislature wing earlier in the afternoon, where she was unanimously elected as the group leader. Her induction into the state cabinet comes after the recent and untimely passing of her husband, the former deputy chief minister Late Ajit Pawar. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were present at the event to welcome her into the administration.
While she currently serves as a member of parliament in the upper house, she is expected to transition into state legislative roles in the coming months. Known for her extensive social work in rural development and environmental conservation, she brings a focus on sustainable initiatives to the leadership team. The ceremony remained a focused administrative event attended by senior cabinet ministers and family members.
