Is Sunetra Pawar the First Woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Taking Charge of Key Portfolios?
Synopsis
In a pivotal moment for Maharashtra politics, Sunetra Pawar has made history as the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister. Taking charge of crucial portfolios, her appointment is viewed as a strategic move to stabilize the NCP and ensure effective governance ahead of upcoming elections. Will this leadership change reshape the political landscape in Maharashtra?
Key Takeaways
Sunetra Pawar is Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister.
She oversees excise, sports, youth welfare, and minority affairs.
Her appointment follows the tragic passing of Ajit Pawar .
The upcoming budget session starts on February 23.
This move aims to stabilize the NCP ahead of local elections.
Mumbai, Jan 31 (NationPress) In a historic move, Sunetra Pawar has been appointed as the first female Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, assuming responsibility for the excise, sports, youth welfare, and minority affairs and Auqaf departments following her swearing-in ceremony on Saturday.
The Governor, Acharya Devvrat, communicated to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis the allocation of three vital portfolios, which include the State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Welfare, and Minorities Development and Aukaf.
Notably, she will not oversee the finance and planning departments, which were previously held by the late Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, particularly with the budget session of the state legislature set to commence on February 23.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will continue to manage the finance and planning sectors and is expected to present the annual budget for 2026-27.
These portfolios were managed by the late Ajit Pawar, who tragically passed away in a plane crash earlier this week. While Sunetra Pawar takes charge of these three departments, the crucial Finance and Planning ministries remain with Chief Minister Fadnavis. This decision aims to maintain administrative stability as the state gears up for the upcoming Budget session in March.
Insiders from the NCP have indicated that the party will request Chief Minister Fadnavis to assign the finance and planning departments to Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar after the conclusion of the upcoming budget session.
This decision was reached following the unanimous election of Sunetra Pawar as the leader of the NCP legislature party. The proposal for portfolio allocation was submitted by Fadnavis to the Governor earlier today and received swift approval.
Analysts perceive this appointment as a strategic maneuver to reinforce the party and the Mahayuti alliance ahead of local body elections.
Previously, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Acharya Devvrat in a modest ceremony held at Lok Bhavan. The event was attended by Chief Minister Fadnavis, DCM Eknath Shinde, ministers, and legislators, witnessing a solemn oath-taking process.
Point of View
The appointment of Sunetra Pawar as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra signifies a significant step towards gender representation in politics. Her leadership in critical departments will be closely watched, especially in light of the recent unfortunate passing of Ajit Pawar. The NCP's strategy to reinforce its position ahead of local body elections reflects the dynamic nature of Indian politics.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sunetra Pawar?
Sunetra Pawar is the newly appointed first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, overseeing key portfolios such as excise, sports, and minority affairs.
What departments has she been assigned?
She has been assigned the excise, sports, youth welfare, and minority affairs and Auqaf departments.
Who was the previous Deputy Chief Minister?
The late Ajit Pawar was the previous Deputy Chief Minister before his tragic passing.
What is the significance of her appointment?
Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to stabilize the NCP and ensure effective governance in Maharashtra ahead of local elections.
When is the budget session scheduled?
The budget session of the Maharashtra state legislature is scheduled to commence on February 23.
