Sunetra Pawar’s Rapid Rise to Maharashtra Deputy CM and Sharad Pawar’s ‘Not Consulted’ Claim

January 31, 2026

MUMBAI, INDIA — In a remarkable and sudden political shift, Sunetra Pawar, widow of the late Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister just days after her husband’s tragic death in a plane crash. Her elevation has drawn both praise and scrutiny, especially after Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar revealed that he was not consulted about her appointment, underscoring a communication gap within the party and raising questions about internal strategy.

Swift Political Move After a Tragedy

Ajit Pawar, a dominant political figure and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, died in an air crash on January 28, 2026, leaving a sudden leadership vacuum in the state and within his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Within three days, senior NCP leaders including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal reportedly met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the ruling alliance and recommended Sunetra Pawar as the successor to her husband’s roles in both government and party leadership.

Sunetra Pawar was then elected unopposed as the leader of the NCP Legislature Party and taken up for the Deputy CM post, inheriting many of her late husband’s portfolios in the Mahayuti government. Party leaders described the decision as a tribute to Ajit’s legacy and a move to ensure continuity in governance, particularly given the proximity of upcoming state elections.

Sharad Pawar Says He Was ‘Not Consulted’

However, the rapid move has exposed internal communication gaps within the broader Pawar family and the party. Veteran politician Sharad Pawar, head of the rival NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction), said he had no prior information about Sunetra Pawar’s appointment and only learned about the swearing-in through news reports. Sharad Pawar emphasized that he was not part of discussions leading to her elevation, indicating that the decision was taken mainly by Ajit Pawar’s faction and senior NCP leaders, not involving him directly.

In a press briefing, Sharad Pawar also revealed that Ajit Pawar had been in talks with party leaders about merging the two rival NCP factions a plan nearly finalized with February 12 set as the announcement date before his sudden death. With Ajit gone, the future of that reunification plan now faces uncertainty, and Sharad Pawar hinted that the new political dynamics would shape what happens next.

Family Dynamics and Political Strategy

The decision to elevate Sunetra Pawar without wider consultation has sparked discussions within the Pawar family and party cadre. Reports suggest that some senior family members and party associates were surprised by the haste of the move and the lack of communication before the announcement. Regardless, Sunetra’s appointment reflects a strategic choice by Ajit Pawar’s supporters to maintain influence within the state government and preserve a leadership presence after his unexpected demise.

Sunetra Pawar’s political journey has been unconventional. Prior to this, she had kept a relatively low profile, involving herself in social and environmental ventures and managing family responsibilities. Her rise now positions her at the center of Maharashtra politics at a critical moment, and how she navigates these responsibilities — while balancing internal party expectations and external political pressures will be closely watched in the coming weeks.