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Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: ‘Heart heavy but will continue to work with unwavering honesty’: Dy CM’s 1st statement after swearing-in

Sunetra Pawar Oath Taking Ceremony Today Live Updates: Sixty-two-year-old Sunetra Pawar was elected leader of the NCP legislature wing at a party meeting in Mumbai this afternoon.

sunetra pawar, maharashtra deputy cm, ajit pawar,Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar takes oath as the first woman Deputy CM of Maharashtra, at Lok Bhavan, in Mumbai on Saturday. (Express photo by Akash Patil)

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar took oath as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday after being unanimously elected as the party’s legislative leader in a meeting which took place at the Legislative Building. She replaces her late husband and NCP chief Ajit Pawar in the state cabinet.

Steps up after tragedy: Until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sunetra Pawar maintained a low public profile. She contested from Baramati as the NCP candidate that year but lost to her sister-in-law and incumbent NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule. She was later elected to the Rajya Sabha. State minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed that the legislature wing would formally name her leader on Saturday.

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Pawar family, party decisions diverge: Speculation over a possible reunification of the NCP factions intensified after Ajit Pawar’s death, but sources in NCP (SP) and Sharad Pawar’s family said they were unaware of Sunetra Pawar’s decision to join the BJP-led Mahayuti government. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP would support any decision taken by Ajit Pawar’s family and party. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar distanced himself from the development, saying he learnt of Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in through media reports and that the decision appeared to have been taken by the NCP. He added that Ajit Pawar had wished to unite both factions and that efforts in that direction had been underway.

Live Updates
Jan 31, 2026 08:49 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: Why Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister wields power without constitutional authority

With the swearing in of Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra’s 13th Deputy Chief Minister and the first woman to hold the post, attention has again turned to a position that has no place in the Constitution but plays a major role in the state’s politics. Formally, a Deputy Chief Minister is only a Cabinet minister with an additional title. In practice, in Maharashtra’s coalition-driven and faction-heavy politics, the post has become a key tool for sharing power, managing alliances and signalling political weight within the government.

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Jan 31, 2026 07:29 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: MNS chief Raj Thackeray on power dynamics in NCP

Moments after Sunetra Pawar took oath as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, MNS chief Raj Thackeray spoke on the speculations of NCP working president Praful Patel taking over as the party chief. He said, "Maharashtra's politics has become such a complete mess lately that it honestly feels like it's not even worth commenting on. Nevertheless, one must speak up about the developments unfolding today. A party like the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is rooted in the soil and rugged culture of Maharashtra, should have a leader who is a Marathi — a Patil, not a Patel."

Jan 31, 2026 06:52 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: Sunetra Pawar's 1st statement after taking oath as Deputy CM

In her first reaction after taking oath, Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar issued a statement saying, "Respected Ajitdada dedicated his life to the service of farmers, laborers, women, youth, and the underprivileged. Today, as I carry forward his ideological legacy and assume the responsibility of Deputy Chief Minister with a sense of duty and faith in the values of ‘Shiva-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar,’ my heart is truly overwhelmed. While Dada’s untimely passing has brought an immense mountain of grief, the commitment to duty, the strength to struggle, and the dedication to the people that he taught me remain my true pillars of support. I will continue to work with unwavering honesty to build the just, egalitarian, and developed Maharashtra of his dreams. In this difficult moment, the love and support shown by the people of Maharashtra is my greatest strength. Empowered by your trust and guided by Dada's vision, I shall continue to move forward with new hope."

Jan 31, 2026 05:42 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: IN PICS | Sunetra Pawar takes oath as Deputy CM

Glimpses from the swearing-in ceremony of Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra's first woman Deputy CM, in Mumbai, on Saturday. (Express photos by Akash Patil)

Jan 31, 2026 05:33 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: 'Confident she will work tirelessly': PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends his best wishes to Sunetra Pawar.

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Jan 31, 2026 05:27 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: Supriya Sule meets Ajit Pawar's mother in Baramati

Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule on Saturday met Ajit Pawar's mother at the late leader's Katewadi residence in Pune's Baramati area, the visit coming amid preparations in Mumbai for the appointment of Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra's first woman deputy chief minister.

Sule met the deceased leader's mother Asha Pawar, fondly called 'Asha kaki'.

Speaking to reporters after leaving the residence, Sule said, "I had come to meet Kaki. I will be leaving for Delhi from Pune for the Budget Session of Parliament." — PTI

Jan 31, 2026 05:16 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: Chants rent air as Sunetra Pawar takes oath

NCP legislators gather at the swearing-in ceremony and chant slogans such as "Long live Ajitdada" and "Vahinisaheb aage badho".

Jan 31, 2026 04:58 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: Sunetra Pawar reaches Lok Bhavan for swearing-in

Sunetra Pawar, leader of the NCP legislative party and wife of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, reaches Lok Bhavan for her swearing-in ceremony as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. — ANI

Jan 31, 2026 04:08 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: NCP delegation meets Fadnavis

NCP delegation meets CM Devendra Fadnavis, convey party’s formal decision on Sunetra Pawar's appointment as the Legislative party leader. (Express photo)

Jan 31, 2026 03:48 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: 2 resolutions passed at NCP Legislative party meeting

The meeting of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Legislative Party members held at Vidhan Bhavan, Mumbai, on Saturday, at 2 PM took place in the presence of National Working President and Member of Parliament, Praful Patel, and was presided over by Sunil Tatkare, Member of Parliament and State President of the Nationalist Congress Party, Maharashtra.

Two resolutions were passed during this meeting:

*To unanimously elect Sunetra Ajitdada Pawar as the Leader of the Maharashtra Legislative Party.To authorize Sunetra *Ajitdada Pawar to make all decisions regarding the NCP Legislative Party.

Jan 31, 2026 03:40 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: 'Sunetra Pawar need not resign from RS'

Sunetra Pawar has not resigned from Rajya Sabha as of now. She need not necessarily resign from RS, even if she became the deputy CM, NCP sources clarified.

Jan 31, 2026 03:29 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: NCP state president, others to meet CM Fadnavis

After electing Sunetra Pawar as the Legislative party leader, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare, Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel and senior ministers are going to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after having the resolution passed.

Jan 31, 2026 03:27 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: Sunetra Pawar leaves Vidhan Bhavan after meeting

Sunetra Pawar comes out of Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon following a legislative meet.

Express photo by Akash Patil

Jan 31, 2026 02:19 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates | Sunetra Pawar along with others arrives at Legislative building

Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar arrives at Vidhan Bhavan for legaslative meet in Mumbai .

Supriya Sule, Rohit Pawar, Yugendra Pawar and other family members were also present at the meeting at Legislative building for the meeting of NCP legislators.

Express photos by Akash patil

Jan 31, 2026 01:54 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates | Parth Pawar meets Sharad Pawar at his residence in Baramati

Parth Pawar meets Sharad Pawar at his residence in Baramati. The meeting lasted more than an hour. Sources said Parth rushed to meet Pawar after he said he had no discussion with Sunetra Pawar regarding her being made the Deputy CM

Jan 31, 2026 01:35 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates | Priyanka Chaturvedi backs Sunetra Pawar’s elevation as Maharashtra Dy CM

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi lauded Sunetra Pawar's commitment to the House and welcomed the decision of the party to make her the deputy CM of Maharashtra. "I welcome it. I hope the commitment that Ajit Pawar ji showed towards Maharashtra, his work and his vision for the state, will continue without any break, and that she will work with the same dedication to ensure that Maharashtra’s progress does not pause and continues as he envisioned," she said.

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Jan 31, 2026 01:32 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates | ‘Preserving Ajit Pawar’s legacy’: Manoj Jha on reports of Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra Dy CM

Amid reports that Sunetra Pawar, wife of late NCP chief Ajit Pawar, may be sworn in as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, RJD leader Manoj Jha says, "Party leaders must have thought of preserving Ajit Pawar's legacy through Sunetra Pawar; good wishes to them."

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Jan 31, 2026 01:30 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates | All party workers want Sunetra Pawar to accept this position, says NCP MLA Pramod Hindurao

NCP MLA Pramod Hindurao said that there is a legislative party meeting at 2 pm today, where all our leaders will make a decision. "Everyone wants Sunetra Pawar to take on this responsibility. After that meeting, the process will be followed, and then the oath-taking ceremony or whatever further program is decided will be finalised. All party workers want Sunetra Pawar to accept this position as soon as possible," he said.

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Jan 31, 2026 12:29 PM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates | Why BJP is backing NCP bid to anoint Sunetra Pawar as Ajit Dada’s successor

Amid the fast-shifting political scenario in Maharashtra following the demise of NCP president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati, the NCP brass huddled together barely a day after his funeral, deciding to hand over the reins of the organisation to his wife Sunetra Pawar, who is currently a Rajya Sabha MP.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made it clear that the BJP will stand by the NCP’s decision, both at the party level and in the government.

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The strong sentiments in the NCP following the tragedy may have pushed the BJP and the NCP to work out a formal arrangement at the earliest to placate the emotionally charged followers of Ajit Dada.

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Jan 31, 2026 11:39 AM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates | Visuals of NCP-SCP leaders meeting on January 17 to discuss merger

A meeting was held on 17th January 2026, just a day after civic body election results, where NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar and NCP chief-Deputy CM Ajit Pawar held discussions. NCP-SCP leaders claim this was the final meeting on the merger of the two NCP factions.

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Jan 31, 2026 11:36 AM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates | ‘Their responsibility’: Sharad Pawar on Sunetra Pawar becoming deputy CM

Amid reports that Sunetra Pawar will be sworn in as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said the decision was taken by the NCP, adding, “It was their responsibility; we are different.”

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Jan 31, 2026 11:31 AM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates | 'Ajit Dada would have wanted Sunetra as the legacy heir,' said Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC had welcomed the decision of Sunetra Pawar taking oath as Deputy Cm of Maharashtra. she said, "We all know her contribution to public service, not just in Baramati but across Maharashtra. She used to handle Dada’s work, so best wishes to her. This is an internal issue of the NCP, so it's not for us to comment. It's for them to decide who their leader should be. The workers and followers of Ajit Dada would have only wanted Sunetra as the legacy heir."

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Jan 31, 2026 11:27 AM IST
Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live Updates: “It seems the process will now be discontinued”: Sharad Pawar breaks silence on NCP reunification talk

Amid renewed political speculation over a possible reunification of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions, party founder Sharad Pawar on Tuesday distanced himself from recent developments, stating that several decisions being reported were internal matters of the Ajit Pawar-led faction and not discussed with his group.

Addressing reporters, Pawar clarified that discussions regarding the possible merger of the two NCP factions had been underway but now appear uncertain.

“For the last four months, Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil discussed the issue of the merger of two parties. Now, the unfortunate accident has happened. It seems that the process will now be discontinued,” Pawar said, indicating that recent events may stall reconciliation efforts between the factions.

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