New Delhi/Mumbai, Feb 11 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Sunetra Pawar, has not stepped down from her role as a Rajya Sabha member, with no such discussions occurring during her recent visit to Delhi. This clarification was provided by Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare, who, along with the party's working president, was present during her courtesy meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan.

Tatkare ridiculed the circulating rumors regarding Sunetra Pawar's resignation, explicitly stating: “Sunetra Pawar has not resigned. The topic of resignation did not even come up.”

He dismissed the resignation speculation as unfounded, affirming that Sunetra Pawar's position in the Rajya Sabha remains intact, even as she takes on expanded responsibilities within the party.

Tatkare noted that her meeting with the Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman was merely a courtesy call, a typical part of her visit. He explained that if an individual is to become a minister at the state or central level, they have six months to become a member of the required House, during which they can legally maintain membership in another.

He referenced the case of Ajit Pawar in 1991, who served as a Lok Sabha member while also holding a ministerial position in the cabinet of Sudhakarrao Naik in Maharashtra.

Earlier in the week, Sunetra Pawar assumed her role as the state Deputy Chief Minister from her office on the sixth floor of Mantralaya, expressing her commitment to honor the legacy of her late husband's ideals and to work towards a more capable Maharashtra.

She pledged to maintain loyalty and dedication to the welfare of Maharashtra.

In an emotional post on X, Sunetra Pawar stated: “Today, as I assume the responsibilities of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, I carry a deep sense of trust, duty, and sacrifice. The lifelong commitment exhibited by Hon. Ajitdada toward the people of Maharashtra in the pursuit of development serves as my guiding light. I aim to proceed on this path, drawing inspiration from Dada's approach, decisiveness, and the profound connection he had with the populace. My primary focus will be to realize his unfulfilled dreams and address the aspirations of farmers, women, youth, and ordinary citizens.”

She added: “No one can replace Dada; however, I will make every effort to uphold his legacy and build a stronger Maharashtra. In these challenging times, the love, support, and trust from the people are my true strength. Today, in memory of him, I solemnly vow to serve the people of Maharashtra with sincerity, dedication, and integrity.”