Sunetra Pawar Assumes Office as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister
In a significant development in Maharashtra politics, Sunetra Pawar officially took charge as the state's deputy chief minister at the Mantralaya state secretariat on Tuesday. This event occurred 13 days after the tragic death of her husband, former deputy CM Ajit Pawar, marking a poignant transition in the state's leadership.
A Solemn Ceremony with Senior NCP Leaders
Sunetra Pawar was accompanied by her elder son, Parth Pawar, and several senior leaders from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as she settled into the deputy chief minister's office. Key figures present included Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Dhananjay Munde, underscoring the party's support during this emotional period.
Immediate Responsibilities and Departmental Allocations
Following her oath-taking on January 31, Sunetra Pawar has been assigned crucial portfolios, including excise, sports, minority welfare, and wakf departments. Additionally, she has been appointed as the guardian minister for Beed and Pune districts. Her schedule on Tuesday included attending the cabinet meeting, the first since Ajit Pawar's passing, and participating in the business advisory committee meeting for the upcoming budget session on February 23.
Personal and Political Preparations
Earlier in the day, Sunetra Pawar arrived in Mumbai from Pune and performed prayers at the Siddhivinayak temple and B R Ambedkar's memorial, Chaityabhoomi, in Dadar. She also visited the NCP office, where she engaged with party MLAs and ministers before heading to Mantralaya, demonstrating her commitment to both spiritual and political duties.
Background and Recent Political Developments
Ajit Pawar, a prominent NCP leader, died in a plane crash at Baramati in Pune district on January 28. In the aftermath, the NCP, in alliance with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP), contested the Pune Zilla Parishad elections on February 7 under the 'clock' symbol. The party secured a victory by winning 51 out of 73 seats, as per results declared on Monday, highlighting continued political strength despite the loss.
Sunetra Pawar's assumption of office not only makes her Maharashtra's first woman deputy chief minister but also signals a new chapter in the state's governance, with her poised to address key issues in her allocated departments.
