Mumbai, Feb 10:Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sunetra Pawar on Tuesday officially assumed the role of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister. She has been allocated key portfolios including State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Affairs, and Minorities Development and Auqaf.
Prior to taking office, Pawar visited the Shri Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple in Prabhadevi, where she offered prayers for success in her new role. The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including NCP MPs Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, Maharashtra State Women's Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar, Parth Ajit Pawar, and Shri Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust Chairman Sadanand Saravankar. Pawar also took a moment to pay tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The position became vacant following the tragic death of Ajit Pawar, the former Deputy Chief Minister, who passed away in a chartered aircraft crash on January 28. The crash, which took place in Baramati, claimed the lives of Pawar, his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots. Ajit Pawar's last rites were performed with full state honors at Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati on January 29, where his sons carried out the final rituals.
Following his passing, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took over Ajit Pawar's former portfolios of Planning and Finance.
Sunetra Pawar, who was also elected as the NCP Legislative Party Leader, has a strong track record in sustainable development, environmental conservation, and rural empowerment. As a Rajya Sabha MP, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives that promote inclusive growth and sustainability.
In 2010, she founded the Environmental Forum of India (EFOI), a non-governmental organization focused on environmental awareness and eco-conscious living. Pawar has led impactful grassroots campaigns aimed at biodiversity conservation, water resource management, and drought mitigation, positioning her as a key advocate for sustainable development in the state.
With her experience and dedication, Sunetra Pawar is expected to play a pivotal role in Maharashtra’s political and developmental landscape.
