Mumbai, Feb 10 (NationPress) Sunetra Pawar officially assumed her role as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra within the Mantralaya and vowed to honor the legacy and values of her late husband, Ajit Pawar, while striving to create a more competent state.

Dy CM Sunetra Pawar expressed her commitment to work with unyielding loyalty and dedication for the advancement of Maharashtra.

She was joined by NCP Working President Praful Patel, state unit chief Sunil Tatkare, and other ministers including Chhagan Bhujbal, Hasan Mushrif, and Narhari Zirwal.

Sworn in on January 31, she was assigned the responsibilities of the departments of sports and youth welfare, excise, and minority affairs, and attended her inaugural Cabinet meeting as Dy CM on Tuesday.

In a heartfelt message on X, Sunetra Pawar remarked, “As I embrace the role of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra today, I am overwhelmed with a deep sense of trust, duty, and sacrifice. The lifelong commitment demonstrated by Hon. Ajitdada towards the people of Maharashtra in pursuit of progress serves as my guiding light. I will proceed on this journey, drawing inspiration from Dada's work ethics, his resoluteness, and the profound connection he had with the people. My primary goal will be to realize his unrealized dreams and to honor the hopes of farmers, women, youth, and everyday citizens.”

She added, “While no one can replace Dada; I will strive sincerely to maintain the legacy of his principles and to cultivate a more capable Maharashtra. In this challenging time, the affection, support, and trust bestowed upon me by the people serve as my true strength. Today, before his memory, I pledge: I will remain dedicated and loyal to the welfare of Maharashtra.”

On Tuesday, Dy CM Sunetra Pawar visited the Siddhi Vinayak temple for the deity's darshan. She then went to Chaityabhoomi in Dadar to pay her respects to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Following this, she visited the state NCP office to honor her late husband and former Dy CM, Ajit Pawar.

Earlier, she remarked, “Respected Ajitdada imparted the philosophy of dedicating one’s life to farmers, laborers, women, youth, and the underprivileged. Today, as I take on the responsibility of Deputy Chief Minister, my heart swells with pride as I uphold the principles of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar.”

She stated, “Although Dada's untimely departure has left a profound void in my heart, the genuine support I possess is the duty-bound commitment, the resilience to strive, and the bond with the people that he instilled in me. I will tirelessly and honestly work towards achieving the just, equitable, and developed Maharashtra of his dreams. During these trying times, the love and trust from the people of Maharashtra empower me. With your support illuminating Dada's ideals, I will advance with renewed hope.”