3 weeks ago
Sunetra Pawar Faces Challenge of Filling Ajit Pawar's Shoes
A very important leader in India named Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash.
He was the Deputy Chief Minister of the state of Maharashtra and led a political party called the Nationalist Congress Party.
After he died, his wife Sunetra Pawar took on his big jobs.
She became the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
She also became the president of his party.
Sunetra likes helping people, but she is much quieter than her husband was.
Some people think she should speak up more about big problems.
Others say she is smart to solve problems by talking calmly with people.
Some leaders in her party are unhappy because the Finance department is still with the Chief Minister.
Sunetra is working hard to keep the party together and lead in her own way.
Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28, 2026, leaving the NCP facing an existential crisis.
His wife Sunetra Pawar took oath three days later as Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister.
She was unanimously elected national president of the NCP on February 26, 2026.
The Finance portfolio, earlier held by Ajit Pawar, remains with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis despite NCP claims.
Critics say she avoids political controversies, while supporters praise her dialogue-based approach.
- Who
- Sunetra Pawar, widow of Ajit Pawar, who became Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and NCP national president with support from her sons Parth and Jay Pawar, senior leaders and Mahayuti allies.
- What
- Sunetra Pawar stepped into her husband's political role after his death in a plane crash, becoming the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and taking over NCP leadership.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India, including the Baramati region.
- When
- Ajit Pawar died on January 28, 2026; Sunetra Pawar took oath on January 31, 2026; she was elected NCP president on February 26, 2026.
- Why
- To prevent the NCP from disintegrating after Ajit Pawar's sudden death, following the urging of family, senior leaders and Mahayuti allies.
Supporters' View
Critics' View
Taking charge amid mourning
Supporters' View
Supporters argue the political circumstances compelled Sunetra Pawar to accept the Deputy Chief Minister's post immediately to prevent the party from disintegrating.
Critics' View
At the time, the decision drew criticism over the propriety of assuming power so soon amid mourning.
Leadership style
Supporters' View
Supporters contend she believes in the politics of dialogue rather than confrontation and is active in government meetings, organisational events and Mahayuti platforms.
Critics' View
Critics argue she does not openly address the government's or the party's difficult political issues and remains silent on political controversies.
Finance portfolio
Supporters' View
NCP leaders say the Finance portfolio is the party's natural right and central to its political identity, and that it was meant to be returned to the NCP.
Critics' View
The Finance department remains with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who retained it after Ajit Pawar's death, and the situation is unchanged after discussions.
Key facts
- Key figure
- Sunetra Pawar
- Trigger event
- Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash on January 28, 2026
- New role
- Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister (oath on January 31, 2026)
- Party post
- NCP national president, elected unanimously on February 26, 2026
- Political start
- 2024 Lok Sabha election from Baramati, which she lost
- Finance portfolio
- Retained by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis; NCP calls it its natural right
- Notable decisions
- Backed Zeeshan Siddique's Legislative Council election; sought Rupali Chakankar's resignation
- Main criticism
- Silence on political controversies and not addressing difficult issues
Sources
Related news
NCP faction faces structural and leadership uncertainty
NCP weighs old guard against younger faces in leadership reset
NCP Leadership Challenge Targets Sunetra Pawar’s Election as President
Supriya Sule Remembers Ajit Pawar on Raksha Bandhan
Supriya Sule Rejects NCP Merger and Government Joining Speculation
NCP leaders project unity, overhaul party ahead of local polls
Prashant Kishor Meets Sunetra Pawar to Strengthen NCP
Parth Pawar Engaged to Kaiynaat Dhar in Pune
Sharad Pawar Rules Out NCP Merger
