Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar created history on Saturday after she was sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman deputy chief minister. The major political development came after NCP legislators unanimously elected her as the leader of the party’s legislature group, confirming the rise of Sunetra Pawar Deputy Chief Minister.
This decision comes shortly after the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar, who passed away in a tragic plane crash earlier this week. With the party facing an unexpected leadership vacuum, the appointment of Sunetra Pawar Deputy Chief Minister has become a defining moment in Maharashtra politics.
NCP Legislators Back Sunetra Pawar Unanimously
Sunetra Pawar, 62, was elected during a meeting of the NCP’s 40 MLAs held at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai around 2 pm. Senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal proposed her name, which was supported by other senior leaders, leading to her unanimous election.
She later took oath at Lok Bhawan in a low-key ceremony attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and several prominent leaders. The event officially marked Sunetra Pawar Deputy Chief Minister as Maharashtra’s first woman to hold the post.
Sharad Pawar Says He Was Not Informed
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar claimed he was unaware of the plan to appoint Sunetra Pawar as deputy chief minister. He also revealed that discussions had been underway regarding a possible reunification of the two NCP factions, with talks expected on February 12.
Adding to the political buzz, Ajit Pawar’s son met Sharad Pawar at his residence in Baramati on Saturday. Sharad Pawar said he was not part of the discussions that led to Sunetra Pawar Deputy Chief Minister taking over the key role.
Sunetra Pawar’s Political Journey
Sunetra Pawar entered the Rajya Sabha on June 18, 2024, after an unsuccessful Lok Sabha bid earlier that year. Her rise to the post of Sunetra Pawar Deputy Chief Minister reflects both continuity and a new chapter for the NCP within the Mahayuti alliance.
FAQs
Q1: Why is Sunetra Pawar Deputy Chief Minister appointment historic?
A: Sunetra Pawar Deputy Chief Minister is historic because she is Maharashtra’s first woman deputy CM.
Q2: How was Sunetra Pawar Deputy Chief Minister chosen?
A: NCP legislators unanimously elected her as leader of the legislature group.
Q3: What did Sharad Pawar say about Sunetra Pawar Deputy Chief Minister decision?
A: He claimed he was unaware and not part of the discussions.
Q4: When did Sunetra Pawar enter Parliament?
A: She became a Rajya Sabha MP on June 18, 2024.
