Sunetra Pawar Vows to Uphold Late Husband Ajit Pawar’s Legacy as Maharashtra’s New Deputy CM

Mumbai:  Newly-appointed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar pledged on Saturday to carry forward the legacy and ideals of her late husband Ajit Pawar, describing his teachings on duty, struggle and commitment to the people as her guiding force.

In a post on X, Pawar highlighted Ajit Pawar’s lifelong dedication to farmers, workers, women, youth and the marginalised, noting that his service-oriented mantra would continue to shape her work in public life.

“Accepting the responsibility of the deputy chief minister’s post while remaining steadfast to the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Shahu Maharaj, Jyotirao Phule and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar filled me with deep emotion,” she said, emphasising her commitment to those foundational principles.

While acknowledging the immense grief caused by her husband’s untimely death, Pawar said the values he imparted — a strong sense of duty, resilience in struggle and accountability towards the people — would remain her true support in serving Maharashtra.

She reaffirmed her pledge to work with unwavering honesty to realise Ajit Pawar’s vision of a just, egalitarian and developed state.

Pawar also expressed gratitude for the support and affection shown by the people of Maharashtra during this difficult period, calling their solidarity her “biggest strength” and saying she would move forward with renewed hope while keeping his thoughts alive.

Responding to a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pawar said the PM’s blessings had boosted her confidence as she undertakes her new responsibilities. In his X post, Modi extended his best wishes and noted his confidence that she would work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of Maharashtra and fulfil the late Ajit Pawar’s vision.

Sunetra Pawar (62) was sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Acharya Devvrat in a brief ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.

Earlier in the day, she was elected leader of the state Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislature party.

Ajit Pawar, a senior leader and influential figure in Maharashtra politics, was killed along with four others when the Learjet 45 aircraft they were travelling in crashed at Baramati, his hometown, on January 28.