Mumbai buzzes with anticipation as Sunetra Pawar, widow of the late NCP leader Ajit Pawar, prepares to assume the role of Maharashtra’s new Deputy Chief Minister on Tuesday. Party workers and leaders are brimming with excitement over this significant transition in state politics.
Before officially taking charge, Sunetra Pawar will start her day with spiritual and respectful rituals. At 8:30 AM, she will visit the iconic Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai for darshan and prayers. Following this, she heads to Chaityabhoomi in Dadar to pay homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution, at the site of his cremation. Accompanying her will be NCP national executive president Praful Patel, state president Sunil Tatkare, and several senior party figures.
The formal oath-taking ceremony marks a poignant moment for the NCP, coming soon after the tragic plane crash that claimed Ajit Pawar’s life on January 28. He was en route to Baramati for district council and panchayat samiti election campaigning when the aircraft crashed during landing on the runway, killing him and four others. His last rites were performed the next day at Vidya Pratisthan Ground in Baramati.
In the wake of this loss, Sunetra Pawar steps into her husband’s shoes, assigned the portfolios of Excise, Sports, and Minority Development. During her oath-taking, she reflected deeply on Ajit Pawar’s lifelong dedication to farmers, laborers, women, youth, and marginalized communities. ‘Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar’ principles guide her commitment, she said, vowing to carry forward his legacy with unwavering duty.
Emotional yet resolute, Sunetra shared how Ajitdada’s untimely demise has shattered her, but his teachings on duty, resilience, and public connection provide strength. She pledged tireless, honest efforts to realize his vision of a just, equitable, and progressive Maharashtra. Amid these challenges, the love and support from Maharashtra’s people fuel her resolve, illuminating Ajit Pawar’s ideals with renewed hope.