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Mumbai, February 7, 2026 : The ruling Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra is grappling with visible internal strain after senior ministers from the Eknath Shinde–led Shiv Sena voiced reservations about the appointment of Sunetra Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. Her elevation came just days after the tragic plane crash on January 28 that claimed the life of her husband and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. She was sworn in on January 31, a move intended to ensure administrative continuity but one that has sparked debate within the three-party alliance.
Several Shiv Sena cabinet members have questioned the timing of the ceremony, arguing that the rapid transition did not align with the decorum typically observed during a period of state mourning. Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat remarked that such haste may not resonate well with public sentiment. Industries Minister Uday Samant echoed these concerns, suggesting the decision appeared strategically orchestrated by factions within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ahead of the upcoming Baramati by-elections.
Veteran leader Ramdas Kadam went further, criticizing NCP state president Sunil Tatkare and alleging that the appointment was a tactical maneuver to consolidate power rather than a governance-driven necessity. According to dissenting voices, the speed of the decision has unsettled grassroots Shiv Sena workers, who feel the alliance was not adequately consulted.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sought to contain the fallout, dismissing the controversy as “unnecessary” and warning that such disputes harm coalition unity. He urged partners to prioritize stability. Yet the public airing of differences underscores a growing rift between the Shiv Sena and the NCP, highlighting the delicate balance between administrative continuity and the political optics surrounding the Pawar family legacy.
