Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pledged the ruling coalition’s support for the Nationalist Congress Party’s choice to fill the vacant Deputy Chief Minister post, following the death of Ajit Pawar. NCP sources confirmed that Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, is set to be sworn in as Deputy CM on Saturday afternoon.
Who is Sunetra Pawar?
Sunetra Pawar, a sitting Rajya Sabha MP from the Nationalist Congress Party, is the widow of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in an aircraft crash near Baramati on January 28. She is poised to assume a central political role in Maharashtra, both as Deputy Chief Minister and as the likely new leader of the NCP’s legislature party. She is not currently a member of the state legislature, but the Baramati assembly seat is now vacant following her husband’s death.
What does the Mahayuti alliance say?
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, whose Bharatiya Janata Party leads the ruling Mahayuti alliance, stated unequivocal support for the NCP’s internal decision. “The decision will be taken by the NCP. We will stand by whatever decision the NCP takes,” Fadnavis told reporters. He confirmed NCP leaders had discussed their options with him twice regarding the vacant post. Senior NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal said Fadnavis conveyed he had “no problem” with holding the oath-taking ceremony on Saturday.
What happens at the NCP meeting?
The NCP has called a meeting of its legislature party at 2 pm on Saturday. At this crucial meeting, Sunetra Pawar is expected to be formally elected as the party’s legislative leader, a necessary step before her swearing-in. Bhujbal stated, “Many leaders want her to become the deputy CM.” Senior leaders, including Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, are managing procedural details related to the mourning period following Ajit Pawar’s death.
What are the expected portfolio changes?
According to sources, Sunetra Pawar is expected to receive the Excise and Sports portfolios in the Maharashtra cabinet. These were previously held by her late husband. In a significant reshuffle, the key Finance portfolio, also formerly with Ajit Pawar, is likely to be taken over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis himself, moving it to the BJP’s camp.
How have political leaders reacted?
The move has garnered support from within the NCP and its allies. “If Sunetra Bhabhi is made Deputy Chief Minister, it will be a matter of great joy,” said Anil Deshmukh, a senior leader from the rival NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction. Within the ruling alliance, the swift decision is seen as providing continuity for the NCP wing led by Ajit Pawar and stabilizing the coalition government.
FAQs: Sunetra Pawar’s Appointment as Deputy CM
Q: When is Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in ceremony?
A: Sources indicate the oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for 5 pm on Saturday.
Q: Does Sunetra Pawar need to be an MLA to become Deputy CM?
A: No, the constitution permits a person to be a minister for six months without being a member of the legislature. She is currently a Rajya Sabha MP.
Q: What prompted this political development?
A: This follows the unfortunate loss of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28, creating a vacancy in the job and a leadership void among his NCP faction.
Q: Who will get the Finance portfolio now?
A: Sources report that the Finance Ministry is likely to be taken over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TDG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
