Sunetra Pawar Set to Become Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief MinisterCM Backs NCP Decision, Parth Pawar Likely to Enter Rajya Sabha

Mumbai, January 30, 2026:

Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, is set to make history by becoming the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, party and government sources confirmed on Friday.

Chief Minister said the state government would fully support the NCP’s leadership decision, calling it a step toward inclusive political representation and continuity in governance.

Historic Moment for Maharashtra Politics

Sunetra Pawar to Break Gender Barrier in Deputy CM Post

If appointed, Sunetra Pawar will be the first woman to hold the Deputy Chief Minister’s post in Maharashtra, marking a major milestone in the state’s political history. NCP leaders said her elevation reflects the party’s intent to strengthen leadership and honour Ajit Pawar’s legacy.

Senior leaders described her as a consensus choice capable of uniting different factions within the party and ensuring stability in the coalition government.

Parth Pawar Likely to Replace Sunetra Pawar in Rajya Sabha

Political Succession Plan Within Pawar Family

Sources indicated that Parth Pawar, son of Ajit and Sunetra Pawar, is likely to replace his mother as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament once she assumes the Deputy CM role. The move is seen as part of a broader political succession plan within the Pawar family.

Party insiders said Parth Pawar’s entry into the Upper House would strengthen the family’s influence at the national level and prepare him for a larger political role.

NCP Divided on Reunification With Sharad Pawar Faction

Reunification Not a Priority, Says NCP Group

Even as some leaders from the NCP-Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) faction push for reunification, a section of NCP leaders stated that party reunification is not a priority at the moment. They said the focus is on governance, strengthening the party base, and preparing for upcoming elections.

However, NCP-SP leaders continue to advocate for unity, arguing that a reunited party would be stronger in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

CM Assures Full Support to NCP Leadership Decision

Coalition Stability Emphasised

The Chief Minister said the government would respect and support the NCP’s internal decision-making process, stressing that coalition stability remains a top priority. He added that Sunetra Pawar’s leadership would add a new dimension to the state government.

Political Analysts See Strategic Move

Strengthening NCP’s Future Leadership

Political analysts believe Sunetra Pawar’s elevation and Parth Pawar’s expected Rajya Sabha entry indicate a strategic generational transition within the NCP, aimed at consolidating the Pawar family’s political legacy and maintaining influence in Maharashtra and national politics.