Sunetra Pawar to Take Oath as Maharashtra Deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar is set to be sworn in as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister on January 31, 2026, at 5 pm, marking a significant political transition following the demise of Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar. The development is expected to bring stability to the ruling coalition amid a sensitive leadership change in the state.

Oath Ceremony and Cabinet Responsibilities

Sunetra Pawar, aged 63, will take oath at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai and is set to handle the Excise and Sports ministries in the Maharashtra government. Her elevation makes her the first woman to hold the post of Deputy Chief Minister in the state. The swearing-in is expected to take place shortly after formal approval by the party’s legislative wing.

NCP Legislature Party Meeting and Political Process

The Nationalist Congress Party will convene its Legislature Party meeting at 2 pm at the NCP office in Vidhan Bhavan, south Mumbai. The meeting is expected to formally elect Sunetra Pawar as the party’s legislature leader, clearing the way for her appointment. The move follows consultations within the party to ensure continuity in governance.

Consensus Within the Ruling Coalition

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has conveyed that he has no objection to Sunetra Pawar’s appointment, provided the legislature party follows due process. This consensus is seen as crucial for maintaining coalition cohesion during a period of political sensitivity.

Important Facts for Exams

• Maharashtra will get its first woman Deputy Chief Minister with Sunetra Pawar’s appointment.
• The Deputy CM is appointed after the legislature party elects its leader.
• Excise is a key revenue-generating department for state governments.
• Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai houses the Maharashtra Legislature.

Profile of Sunetra Pawar

Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar, is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Maharashtra and a member of the Nationalist Congress Party. Born on October 18, 1963, she is a commerce graduate from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University. Known for her work in environmental conservation, she founded the Environmental Forum of India and recently made her electoral debut by contesting the Baramati Lok Sabha seat.