Sunetra Pawar Sworn In as Maharashtra Deputy CM Amid Surprise and Family Rift

In Shorts

• Sunetra Pawar sworn in as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister days after her husband’s death.
• NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) leader Sharad Pawar says he had no prior knowledge of the decision.
• Oath ceremony highlights political friction within the Nationalist Congress Party.

Mumbai, January 31, 2026 — In a development that has sent ripples through Maharashtra’s political landscape, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday. The ceremony came just three days after the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, and marked a rare moment as she became the first woman to hold the deputy CM post in the state.

The swearing-in took place at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai with key government figures in attendance. While the Nationalist Congress Party designated her as its legislative party leader, the circumstances surrounding the timing and communication of the decision have triggered controversy.

In an unexpected twist, Sharad Pawar, veteran politician and head of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction, publicly stated that he had no prior knowledge of Sunetra Pawar’s appointment or the oath-taking plans. He said he learned about the developments only through media reports, and added that neither he nor senior leaders in his faction were consulted about the decision.

The comments from Sharad Pawar highlight a communication breakdown within one of Maharashtra’s most influential political families. Sources say talks to reunify the two rival NCP factions—an effort championed by Ajit Pawar before his death—may now be paused or delayed amid the fallout.

Political analysts are noting that the pace of the appointment, coming so quickly after Ajit Pawar’s passing, has drawn scrutiny from both within the NCP and allied parties. Critics have questioned the timing and urged clearer explanations from party leadership.

Despite the debate, Sunetra Pawar’s elevation to the deputy CM position marks a notable milestone for female leadership in Maharashtra politics and may shape the direction of regional alliances in the months ahead.