New Delhi: Sunetra Pawar is set to step into one of Maharashtra’s most powerful political roles at a moment of deep change in the state. With the sudden
passing of her husband Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister post stood vacant and party leaders moved fast to find a successor. Her name has now been confirmed for the position of Deputy Chief Minister and she is expected to take oath on January 31, marking a historic first for the state.
Who is Sunetra Pawar?
Sunetra Pawar was born on 18 October 1963 in Dharashiv. Sunetra Pawar has a political heritage since birth. Her father is former minister Padmasinh Patil. Sunetra Pawar and Ajit Pawar got married in 1985. After marriage, Sunetra Pawar stayed away from the limelight. However, in the last few years, she was seen with Ajit Pawar during the campaign. She also contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but was defeated. After that, she was elected to the Rajya Sabha.
What does Sunetra Pawar do?
Sunetra Pawar is currently the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party and a Rajya Sabha MP. She is also the Chairperson of Baramati Textile Company. She is actively involved in social, educational and environmental work. In 2010, Sunetra Pawar founded the Environmental Forum of India (EFOI). This organization works for organic farming, environmental protection and sustainable development.
Stepping into the public eye
In recent years, Sunetra didn’t just attend campaign events with Ajit Pawar — she began to shape her own political identity. She contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Baramati, though she was not successful. Soon after that she was elected to the Rajya Sabha, representing Maharashtra for the Nationalist Congress Party. Her rise hasn’t been overnight but it’s been steady.
Contribution to the field of education
Sunetra’s work stretches beyond electoral battles. She has made significant contributions to the field of education as well as social work. She is also a trustee of Vidya Pratishthan, an educational institution that focuses on providing quality education to students in rural areas. This experience is likely to benefit her greatly in the future.
A first for Maharashtra…
If she takes the oath as scheduled on January 31, Sunetra Pawar will become the first woman to serve as Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra’s history. This will be a milestone many leaders and commentators have highlighted in recent days. Her elevation also comes at a sensitive political moment with party unity and governance stability top of mind following Ajit Pawar’s death.
Her appointment blends legacy with a new direction for the Nationalist Congress Party and the broader Mahayuti government. That’s what the moment really comes down to carrying forward a political legacy but on her own terms.
