Sunetra Pawar Takes Oath as Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy CM
Why in the news
Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on 31 January 2026 at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai. She becomes the first woman to hold the post in the state, taking the role after the death of her husband, NCP leader Ajit Pawar.
Key facts
- Oath: 31 January 2026, Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, at around 5 PM as scheduled.
- Historic first: first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
- Party process: the NCP legislature party was to meet earlier that day to elect her as its leader; Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had approved the move.
- Current role: she is a Rajya Sabha member and represents Baramati in the Maharashtra Assembly.
- Portfolios: State Excise, Sports and Youth Welfare, and Minority Development and Aukaf.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Post | Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra |
| Party | Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) |
| Chief Minister | Devendra Fadnavis |
| Venue | Raj Bhavan, Mumbai |
About Sunetra Pawar
She is a commerce graduate who has worked on environmental conservation through the Environmental Forum of India. She was born on 18 October 1963 and married Ajit Pawar in 1985.
Exam angle
- Remember her party, NCP, and that Devendra Fadnavis is the Chief Minister.
- Remember the first woman tag and the date, 31 January 2026.
- Keep in mind her portfolios: Excise, Sports and Youth Welfare, and Minority Development and Aukaf.