Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony as Maharashtra Deputy CM Live: Amid chants of “Ajit Dada amar rahe,” Sunetra Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and widow of the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, took oath as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday. The ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, where Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
Sunetra Pawar steps into the post left vacant following the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on January 28 in Baramati. With this, she becomes the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Political Leaders Rally Behind Sunetra Pawar
Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, NCP State President Sunil Tatkare, NCP Working President Praful Patel, and Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal were among the dignitaries present. NCP leaders raised slogans of “Ajit Dada amar rahe” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” as Sunetra Pawar took the oath.
She had been elected earlier in the day as leader of the NCP Legislative Party, after which party leaders met with CM Devendra Fadnavis to finalise her appointment as Deputy CM.
A Legacy of Social and Environmental Work
Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, has long been known for her work in sustainable development, environmental conservation, and rural empowerment. In 2010, she founded the Environmental Forum of India (EFOI), an NGO dedicated to promoting eco-conscious communities. 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.
Speaking to reporters, Chhagan Bhujbal welcomed the decision, saying,“It is good. People want it, and our MLAs are also demanding the same. This is absolutely right. Under the current circumstances, Sunetra Taai should indeed be the Leader of the Legislative Party and Deputy CM.”
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.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: 'I wish a woman should also become CM of Maharashtra,' says Chhagan Bhujbal
Following Sunetra Pawar’s oath taking ceremony where she signed in as the next deputy CM, senior NCP leader 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 Bombay after congratulating Sunetra on becoming the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of the state.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: 'NCP merger may face roadblock' says Sharad Pawar
The process to merge the NCP (SP) and NCP may now face a roadblock due to the death of Ajit Pawar, said Sharad Pawar on Saturday.
Nationalist Congress Party chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed along with four others after a Learjet 45 aircraft they were travelling in crashed at Baramati, his hometown here, on January 28.
The process to merge the two factions was underway for the past four months under Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil, the NCP (SP) chief told reporters in Baramati.
"All discussions were held at their level, but it now appears the process may hit a roadblock following the (plane) accident. The talks were progressing in a positive direction, but the accident adversely affected the process," the former Union minister said.
-Via PTI
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Dual challenge
Sunetra Pawar now faces the the dual challenge of keeping the NCP united while navigating coalition politics with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Her immediate priority, however, will be deciding whether to proceed with the long-awaited merger of the two NCP factions.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Rising to leadership amid tragedy
Thrust into the spotlight from the shadows of one of Maharashtra’s most influential political families, Sunetra Pawar on Saturday was sworn in as the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister. She now faces the formidable challenge of steering the Nationalist Congress Party following the sudden death of her husband, Ajit Pawar.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: PM Modi extends wishes
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.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 31, 2026
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: eaders leave after swearing-in ceremony
#watch | Mumbai | Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Maharashtra, CM Devendra Fadnavis, newly sworn-in Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde leave Lok Bhavan after the swearing-in ceremony concludes. pic.twitter.com/qVkp1LUyNf
— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2026
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Supriya Sule meets Ajit Pawar’s mother ahead of Budget Session
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule on Saturday met Asha Pawar, the mother of late Ajit Pawar, at her residence in Katewadi village.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sule said she sought Asha Pawar’s permission before leaving for Delhi for the Budget Session. “Since the budget session is tomorrow, I am going to Delhi. I just met with Asha Kaki. I took her permission and asked if I should go to Delhi for the budget session. She said yes, it’s the country’s budget, and you should go there. I am the NCP’s floor leader, so my presence there is necessary,” she said.
When asked about Sunetra Pawar’s oath-taking ceremony and other political developments, Sule chose not to comment, simply responding with “Ram Krishna Hari.”
Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Ajit Pawar, sworn in as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister
Mumbai: Sunetra Pawar, leader of the NCP legislative party and wife of late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, takes oath as Deputy CM of Maharashtra at the Lok Bhavan pic.twitter.com/e1tFzIwhDz
— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2026
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Ceremony to start soon
The swearing-in ceremony is set to begin shortly, with final preparations underway as leaders and dignitaries gather at Lok Bhavan.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Leaders reach Lok Bhavan
Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and other leaders reached the Lok Bhavan for the swearing-in ceremony of Sunetra Pawar, leader of the NCP legislative party and wife of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar
She will be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: NCP submits letter
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a key ally in Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti coalition, on Saturday submitted a formal letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informing him of the election of Sunetra Pawar as the leader of its legislature party.
Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is set to be sworn in as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, days after Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on Wednesday.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Will submit letter on Sunetra Pawar's election as NCP legislature party leader to CM, says Praful Patel
NCP working president Praful Patel on Saturday said that a formal letter informing the government about Sunetra Pawar’s election as the leader of the party’s legislature wing will be submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP and wife of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is scheduled to take oath as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister later this evening. She will become the first woman to hold the post in the state.
Her elevation was decided unanimously at a meeting of the NCP legislature party held at Vidhan Bhavan in south Mumbai at 2 pm on Saturday.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Preparations underway
Preparations are in full swing at Lok Bhavan ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Sunetra Pawar, who was elected leader of the NCP legislative party.
#watch | Mumbai: Preparations are underway at Lok Bhavan for the swearing-in ceremony of Sunetra Pawar, leader of the NCP legislative party and wife of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar
— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2026
She will be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/LSC8pFf8JV
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Sunetra Pawar departs the State Legislative Assembly
Late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s wife and Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar departs the State Legislative Assembly after attending the NCP legislature party meeting.
#watch | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's wife and Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar leaves from the State Legislative Assembly after the NCP legislative party meeting
— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2026
She has been elected as the leader of the NCP Legislative Party. She will take oath as the Deputy CM… pic.twitter.com/RNiN2EIzOW
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Opposition questions ‘haste’ in appointing Deputy CM, cites moral concerns and lack of clarity
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey on Saturday questioned the urgency with which the post of Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra is being filled following the death of Ajit Pawar, saying the haste has raised serious moral and political concerns.
Dubey pointed out that even senior leader Sharad Pawar appeared to be unaware of the developments, suggesting a lack of transparency in the decision-making process. Ajit Pawar, who was serving as Deputy Chief Minister, died in a plane crash on January 28 at the age of 66.
His wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar, has since been elected unanimously as the leader of the NCP Legislature Party and is set to take oath as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister later this evening.
Speaking to ANI, Dubey questioned the timing of the move, saying, “Is what is happening moral? Sharad Pawar is not aware of anything. Maharashtra is not happy with what is happening. What is the reason for this haste?”
While the Shiv Sena (UBT) raised objections, reactions within the ruling alliance and allied parties remained mixed. Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC extended her best wishes to Sunetra Pawar, welcoming the prospect of a woman assuming the role of Deputy Chief Minister.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: ‘Window for unity existed earlier,’ says Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for derailing the possible merger of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, saying the political moment for reunification may have passed.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said the two NCP factions could have reunited when Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was still alive, but the situation has since changed. Targeting the BJP, he alleged that the party thrives on political instability rather than reconciliation.
“The BJP is a party that does politics over dead bodies. While Ajit Pawar was alive, their coming together was possible, but now I don't know. I am commenting only on the events that have transpired in the BJP case,” Raut said.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Sunetra Pawar chosen unopposed as NCP legislature party leader
The unopposed selection marks a historic first for the state, with Sunetra Pawar set to take over the deputy chief minister’s post amid a crucial political transition within the NCP.
The Nationalist Congress Party’s legislature party meeting to elect a new leader in place of late Ajit Pawar began on Saturday in his chambers at the Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai. The meeting is a crucial step in the party’s process to finalise leadership changes following Ajit Pawar’s death, according to PTI.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Jayant Patil reveals Ajit Pawar pushed hard for NCP unity
Senior NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) leader Jayant Patil said late Ajit Pawar was strongly committed to uniting both NCP factions. Patil, who led the merger talks, said he had taken consent from party members and was assured by Ajit Pawar that all his MLAs would back the merger decision without dissent.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Praful Patel, Tatkare meet Sunetra Pawar
NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare on Saturday met Sunetra Pawar at the official residence of her late husband Ajit Pawar to discuss the evolving political situation. The meeting came ahead of the NCP legislature party meet scheduled at 2 pm in Vidhan Bhavan, after which Sunetra Pawar is expected to take oath as Maharashtra deputy chief minister.
Sharad Pawar–Ajit Pawar met at Govindbaug on January 17
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had held a meeting with NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at Govindbaug on January 17. The interaction had drawn political attention at the time, as it came amid speculation about possible coordination and rapprochement between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party.
VIDEO | NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar held meeting with NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar at Govindbaug on January 17.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 31, 2026
(Source: Third Party)#maharashtra #baramati #ncp pic.twitter.com/cZjROsPb0G
Sunetra Pawar to take oath as Maharashtra Deputy CM today: Officials
Sunetra Pawar will be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on January 31 at 5 pm in Mumbai, according to PTI. The oath-taking comes days after the death of her husband and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar, with the party moving quickly to fill the vacant post in the Devendra Fadnavis-led cabinet.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Sharad Pawar says Ajit wanted NCP reunion
Sharad Pawar said his late nephew Ajit Pawar had wished to unite both factions of the NCP and talks were already underway. He revealed that Ajit Pawar, Shashikant Shinde and Jayant Patil had initiated the process, with February 12 fixed as the merger date. Meanwhile, sources say Sunetra Pawar is likely to be sworn in as deputy chief minister, following demands from a section of NCP leaders after Ajit Pawar’s death.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: RLD’s Malook Nagar welcomes Sunetra Pawar’s elevation
Reacting to reports of Sunetra Pawar taking oath as Maharashtra deputy chief minister, RLD leader Malook Nagar said her elevation offers reassurance to the people of the state after Ajit Pawar’s tragic death. Calling her a seasoned leader and Rajya Sabha MP, he said the move provides solace amid grief. On NCP merger talks, Nagar said such discussions were ongoing even earlier and remain a matter of political possibilities.
#watch | Delhi: On reports that Sunetra Pawar will take oath as the Deputy CM of Maharashtra today after Ajit Pawar's death, RLD leader Malook Nagar says, "The incident involving Ajit Pawar in Maharashtra, may God forbid it happening to others. A family member is being brought in… pic.twitter.com/obxBTdosvm
— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2026
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: BJP says Deputy CM call lies with NCP
Amid speculation over Sunetra Pawar being proposed as Maharashtra deputy chief minister after Ajit Pawar’s death, BJP MP Mithilesh Kumar Katheria said such decisions are entirely for the NCP to take. He stressed that choices about leadership and posts rest solely with the party. Meanwhile, NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed that Sunetra Pawar’s name has been pitched for the post.
‘Nothing like that’: Sharad Pawar dismisses NDA speculation
When asked whether he would consider joining the NDA if the two factions of the NCP were to merge, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar dismissed the speculation. He said such discussions existed only in media narratives, adding that there was “nothing like that” being deliberated within his party at present.
Baramati, Maharashtra: On being asked if he would consider being part of NDA if both factions of NCP merge, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar says, "This is all going on on your side (media), there is nothing like that here."
— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2026
(Pic Source: Sharad Pawar/Facebook) pic.twitter.com/nKT5eBEnSw
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Sharad Pawar says unaware of swearing-in
Amid reports of Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in as Maharashtra deputy chief minister, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said he was unaware of the development and learnt about it through media reports.
"We don't know about the swearing-in. We got to know about it through the news. I have no idea about the swearing-in," he told PTI, when asked if anyone from the Pawar family would be attending the ceremony.
Speaking in Baramati, he said the decision appeared to have been taken by the NCP leadership, possibly by leaders like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare.
"Some people like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare took the initiative. These people might have decided something," he said.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Sharad Pawar flags disruption in reunion talks
Responding to questions on whether Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare were taking hurried decisions, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar said a process had already begun for his party and Ajit Pawar’s NCP to work together.
"What I know is that a process had begun for our party (NCP-SCP) and Ajit Pawar’s party (NCP) to work together, and a decision on this was to be taken soon. However, this unfortunate accident (Ajit Pawar's death) has occurred," Sharad Pawar told ANI.
Baramati, Maharashtra: When asked about 'decisions being taken in haste' by Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar says, "What I know is that a process had begun for our party (NCP-SCP) and Ajit Pawar’s party (NCP) to work together, and a decision on this was… pic.twitter.com/N5rFtPI6xp
— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2026
Speculation about an imminent merger between the NCP and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) gained momentum following Ajit Pawar’s death in a tragic air crash on Wednesday. However, sources within NCP (SP) and Sharad Pawar’s family said they were unaware of Sunetra Pawar’s plans to join the BJP-led Mahayuti government.
Sunetra Pawar oath live updates: Mourning period still under review
Bhujbal said the final call on the deputy chief minister’s appointment will be taken at the legislature party meeting. He added that senior NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare are examining technical aspects, including the appropriate mourning period, which can vary between three and ten days depending on circumstances.