Maharashtra witnessed a historic and emotional moment on Saturday as Sunetra Pawar formally entered the state’s top executive leadership. The wife of late Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar, she was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, becoming the first woman ever to hold the post in the state.

The atmosphere at the venue was charged with emotion as NCP leaders and workers raised slogans in remembrance of Ajit Pawar while Sunetra Pawar took the oath. The ceremony marked not only a political transition but also a symbolic continuation of Ajit Pawar’s legacy within the ruling setup.

Several senior leaders attended the swearing-in, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor Acharya Devvrat, and key figures from the Mahayuti alliance and the NCP. Prominent among them were state BJP leaders, NCP national and state office-bearers, ministers, and MPs, reflecting broad political support for the move.

Before arriving at Lok Bhavan, Sunetra Pawar visited her late husband’s portrait and paid her respects, an act that underscored the personal loss behind the political development. Those close to the family described the moment as deeply emotional yet resolute.

Earlier in the day, the Nationalist Congress Party formally chose Sunetra Pawar as the leader of its legislature group. Following Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise, several party leaders had argued that the responsibility he carried in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government should remain within his family to ensure continuity and stability in governance.