After Sunetra Pawar took oath as the first deputy CM of Maharashtra, senior NCPleader and Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Saturday expressed his desire for a woman to take up the mantle of Maharashtra CM sometime soon as well.
“I wish a woman should also become CM of Maharashtra,” Chhagan Bhujbal told reporters present at the oath taking ceremony in Mumbai.
Sunetra Pawar was administered the oath of office by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat at Lok Bhavan, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. NCP leaders raised slogans of “Ajit Dada amar rahe” as she took charge.
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Calling the development historic, NCP MLA Sana Malik said Maharashtra would benefit from Sunetra Pawar’s long-standing work in social causes and women’s empowerment. “This is history. Sunetra Pawar has become the first woman Deputy CM of the state. Her work for society and women has been consistent,” Malik said.
A Rajya Sabha MP, Sunetra Pawar steps into the role after the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a chartered plane crash on January 28 in Baramati. The accident also claimed the lives of his personal security officer, a flight attendant and two pilots.
Sunetra Pawar’s political career
A Rajya Sabha MP, Sunetra Pawar is known for her work in sustainable development, environmental conservation and rural empowerment. In 2010, she founded the Environmental Forum of India, an NGO focused on biodiversity protection, water management and drought mitigation.
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Over the years, she has spearheaded initiatives in biodiversity conservation, protection of endangered species, water resource management, and drought mitigation, earning recognition as a driving force for inclusive and sustainable progress.
Earlier in the day, Sunetra Pawar was also elected as the legislature leader of the NCP Legislative Party. Party leaders later met the Chief Minister to finalise her appointment as Deputy CM.
PM Modi extends best wishes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Sunetra on her appointment and expressed his confidence in her abilities to fulfill her responsibilities.
“Best wishes to Sunetra Pawar Ji as she begins her tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the first woman to hold this responsibility. I am confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfil the vision of the late Ajitdada Pawar,” he wrote on X.
Sunetra Pawar now faces the dual challenge of keeping the NCP united while navigating coalition politics with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. As NCP leaders expect to hit roadblocks in the process.
Her immediate priority, however, will be deciding whether to proceed with the long-awaited merger of the two NCP factions.
Ajit Pawar passed away tragically on January 28 when the chartered plane carrying him crash-landed in Baramati. The accident also claimed the lives of his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots. |
