Sunetra Pawar Will She Become Maharashtra’s Deputy CM? CM Devendra Fadnavis Responds

Mumbai: Speculation has been rife over whether Sunetra Pawar, widow of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, will be appointed Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister. On Friday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the matter, stating that the BJP will support any decision taken by Ajit Pawar’s family and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Uncertainty in NCP After Ajit Pawar’s Demise
The sudden demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has stirred political activity within the NCP. Key questions now are: Who will lead the NCP, and who will assume the role of Deputy Chief Minister? Meetings are underway to decide these issues. NCP leaders have been emphasizing Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP and Ajit Pawar’s wife, as a potential candidate. This has fueled discussions that she could become the state’s first female Deputy CM.

For the first time, CM Fadnavis commented on these speculations.

NCP Support Assured
Senior NCP leaders, including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal, met CM Fadnavis twice over the past two days. This has intensified talks of Sunetra Pawar’s possible appointment as Deputy CM. In response, Fadnavis clarified, “The decision depends entirely on the NCP. They will make the final call, and we will support it.”

What Did Fadnavis Say?
The CM explained that NCP leaders had discussed their party’s operational approach and available options in detail during these meetings. Fadnavis emphasized that the ultimate decision will be made by the NCP. Meanwhile, the party has convened a legislative meeting on Saturday, which may include the election of a new legislative party leader—a post previously held by Ajit Pawar. This leadership question has also generated political speculation regarding the party’s future direction.

Who Will Present Maharashtra’s Budget?
Ajit Pawar also held the Finance portfolio, raising questions about who will present the upcoming state budget. CM Fadnavis said, “Ajit Pawar had already prepared the budget extensively. I will personally review it, complete the necessary procedures, and then we will decide the way forward.”

Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash
Ajit Pawar and four others tragically died in a plane crash on Wednesday in Baramati, Pune district. On Thursday, a state funeral was held at Vidya Pratishthan College grounds in Baramati, attended by prominent politicians and thousands of people.