Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: After deputy CM oath, Sunetra Pawar gets 3 portfolios, including state excise department

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Union minister Piyush Goyal says he doesn't expect the two NCP factions to merge

Union minister Piyush Goyal said he did not expect the merger of two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions - each headed by Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash two days ago, and his uncle Sharad Pawar.

He said that the NCP, as part of the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, has performed very well.

"I personally do not see that will happen," he told PTI in an interview when asked his views on the talks of the merger of the two NCP factions.

Goyal said that the NCP leadership "was with Ajit Pawar and now with Sunetra Pawar Ji."

He added that Praful Patel has been appointed as the national president of the Nationalist Congress Party.

"I don't see Mr Sharad Pawar being invited to join the NCP, given that he has lost the people's trust and the vote," he added. (PTI)

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Sunetra Pawar's journey from 'green warrior' to deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar hails from Tera village in Dharashiv district, earlier known as Osmanabad, in the Marathwada region. While she belongs to a political family, with her brother Padamsinh Patil being a senior NCP leader, she was not actively involved in politics for much of her life.Her father, Bajirao Patil, played a role in the Marathwada liberation movement that preceded the merger of the Hyderabad state with the Indian Union. This legacy shaped her early exposure to public life and social issues. Read full story

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Baramati's hope from new deputy CM

There was an air of expectancy among residents of Baramati as Sunetra Pawar took over as Maharashtra deputy chief minister, with many eager to see if she could fill the shoes of her departed husband Ajit Pawar, renowned for his administrative skills and assertive personality.

Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as deputy CM at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai days after Ajit Pawar, who held the post in the Devendra Fadnavis government, died in a plane crash along with four others near Baramati airport on January 28.

The future of Baramati is in the hands of Sunetratai but no one can ever replace Ajitdada, said resident Mangesh Kachre.

"We must, however, accept the harsh reality (of Ajit Pawar's passing away). I expect the same working style from Sunetra Tai as Dada in Baramati. There are many projects yet to be completed here. I think she will get them completed," he added.

Ajitdada was a like a brother to everyone in Baramati, homemaker Poonam Katke said. She, however, added the swearing in ceremony could have waited at least for the "dashkriya vidhi" (a funerary ritual held on the 10th day).

"Why were leaders of the NCP in such a hurry," Katke asked.

IT professional Abhishek Deo also said the swearing in ceremony should have taken place later.

"People of the city are still in grief and on the other hand, leaders started making rounds over the next developments. Unnecessary hurry can lead to some wrong decisions," the Baramatikar said.

Ajit Pawar, deputy CM of the state for a record six times, was also MLA from Baramati for eight terms since 1991. (PTI)

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Maharashtra deputy CM thanks PM Modi

"The blessing you have given is inspiring for me. As I begin the new responsibility for the service of Maharashtra, your words have increased my confidence for the work of public welfare. The resolve to work honestly and with dedicated sentiment for the welfare of the people of the state has become even stronger because of this. Heartfelt thanks for your trust..." tweets Sunetra Pawar.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar on Sunetra Pawar

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar on Saturday expressed confidence that Sunetra Pawar, as deputy chief minister, would continue to work for the development of the state, as late deputy CM Ajit Pawar used to do.

ANI, Ashish Shelar said, "We have lost a very big leader of the state. Sunetra Pawar took the oath as Maharashtra's deputy chief minister after a decision by her family, her party, and the NDA. Sunetra Pawar will continue to work for the development of the state, as late Ajit Pawar used to do." (ANI)

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Challenges ahead for Sunetra Pawar

By electing Sunetra Pawar as its legislative party leader and subsequently elevating her as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister—the first woman to hold the post—just three days after the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, the NCP has swiftly filled two of the three positions held by the Maratha strongman at the time of his death. The third post is that of NCP chief, on which no decision has been made yet.

​​However, the road ahead is unlikely to be easy for Sunetra Pawar, who is still grieving her husband’s loss while having to shoulder his responsibilities so soon after his death. Read full story here

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta congratulates Sunetra Pawar

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: CM Fadnavis keeps finance portfolio

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has kept the finance portfolio, which had fallen vacant following Ajit Pawar's death. The state budget is scheduled to be presented next month.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar allocated four portfolios

Maharashtra deputy CM Sunetra Pawar allocated following portfolios: state excise, sports and youth welfare, minority devt and Aukaf.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Sunetra Pawar's first reaction after taking over as deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Women politicians who replaced husbands in powerful posts

Sunetra Pawar will assume all portfolios previously held by her late husband, with the exception of the finance ministry.

Indian politics has witnessed several instances where women leaders have stepped in to carry forward their husband’s political legacy, often under difficult circumstances. Read full story here

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Union minister Ramdas Athawale congratulates Sunetra Pawar

"Sunetra Pawar has taken oath as the first woman deputy CM of the state...I am confident that she will continue to work for the development of the state, as late Ajit Pawar used to do," says Union minister Ramdas Athawale.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: 'Mi, Sunetra Ajit Pawar, pratigya karte ki … ': 'Clock' ticks on in a changed NCP

Maharashtra politics has rarely been short of convulsions, but even by the state’s turbulent standards, the untimely demise of deputy chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar in the January 28 plane crash has thrown up a new challenge to the coastal state’s already fragile political equilibrium.

The loss of Ajit ‘Dada’ Pawar goes beyond emotional, as it has ripped open cracks that had appeared to be sealed after the Maharashtra local body polls seemingly settled the near-constant realignments seen since 2019.

With Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s wife and a Rajya Sabha member, sworn in as deputy CM on Saturday, stepping into the role held by her husband, the state has formally entered a new and uncertain phase, shaped by the vacuum left by Dada’s death. Read full story here

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: PM Modi congratulates Maharashtra deputy CM Sunetra Pawar

"Best wishes to Sunetra Pawar Ji as she begins her tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the first woman to hold this responsibility. I am confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfil the vision of the late Ajitdada Pawar,
tweets PM Narendra Modi.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: 'Something positive for us in such difficult time,' says NCP's Sana Malik

“This is a very difficult time. In such a situation, after making her the deputy chief minister, we are now getting a positive angle, and the party is receiving a new direction," says NCP leader Sana Malik.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Supriya Sule meets Ajit Pawar's mother in Baramati

Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule met her cousin Ajit Pawar's mother at the late leader's Katewadi residence in Pune's Baramati area, the visit coming ahead of the swearing-in as Ajit's wife Sunetra Pawar, as Maharashtra's first woman deputy chief minister, succeeding her husband.

Sule met 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." When asked about Ajit Pawar's son Parth Pawar visiting Govindbaug, the Baramati residence of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, earlier in the day, Sule said he had gone there to meet his grandparents.

Ajit Pawar and four others died in a plane crash near Baramati airport on January 28. (PTI)

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Sunetra Pawar takes oath as Maharashtra's first female deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar takes oath as the first woman deputy CM of Maharashtra amid 'Ajit Dada amar rahe' chants. Read full story here

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Sunetra Pawar arrives at Lok Bhavan for swearing in

Sunetra Pawar arrives at Maharashtra governor's residence to take oath as Maharashtra deputy chief minister.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: Leaders arrive at Lok Bhavan for Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in ceremony

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live updates: NCP submits letter on Sunetra Pawar to Fadnavis

The NCP submitted a letter on the election of Sunetra Pawar, wife of party chief late Ajit Pawar, as its legislature party leader to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Senior NCP leaders, including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and Chagan Bhujbal, met Fadnavis at "Varsha," the CM's official residence and handed over the letter to him.

Fadnavis will forward the letter to governor Acharya Devvrat. (PTI)

Sunetra Pawar is set to take oath as the deputy CM of the state, succeeding Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on Wednesday.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: NCP to submit letter of Sunetra Pawar's election as legislature party leader to CM Fadnavis

NCP working president Praful Patel said a letter regarding Sunetra Pawar's election as the legislature party leader will be submitted to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

"A letter about Sunetra Pawar's election as the legislature party leader will be handed over to CM Fadnavis," Patel said.

Sunetra Pawar is set to be sworn in as the deputy chief minister, the first woman to occupy the post in the state, in the evening.

She was unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP's legislature party wing during a meeting held at the Vidhan Bhavan in south Mumbai at 2 pm on Saturday.

Her husband, Ajit Pawar, who was deputy CM and finance minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, was killed in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28 along with four others. (PTI)

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Proposal supported by 45 of 48 NCP MLAs; three were absent

Proposal supported by 45 of 48 NCP legislators. Three were absent - Daulat Daroda (nephew died) Ramraje Nimbalkar (unwell), and Dharmarao Baba Atram (out of the country).

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Sunetra Pawar also elected NCP's deputy CM candidate

Sunetra Pawar also unanimously elected deputy chief ministerial candidate; name proposed by Chhagan Bhujbal and seconded by Hasan Mushrif, Dilip Walse Patil, Dhananjay Munde, Sanjay Bansode, and Narhari Zirwal.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Visuals from NCP's legislature party meet

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: 'Why this rush?' questions Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Anand Dube

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey questioned the "urgency" in filling the deputy chief minister post in Maharashtra.

He said the haste had raised "moral and political concerns" and that even senior leader Sharad Pawar was not aware of the developments.

"Is what is happening moral?... Sharad Pawar is not aware of anything... Maharashtra is not happy with what is happening... What is the reason for this haste?" he asked. (ANI)

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Maharahstra minister Sanjay Shirsat alleges 'haste' in Sunetra Pawar's appointment

Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said the swearing in ceremony for a new deputy chief minister just days after Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash on January 28 "should have taken place later" and asserted the developments showed "the chair is more important than a human being."

It seems this haste is a result of some "internal politics" of the NCP, the minister further alleged.

"The happenings of the past two days show the chair is more important than a human being. Common people don't like this. I personally think that these happenings, oath ceremony should have taken place a little later," Shirsat told reporters.

"The happenings we are seeing now after the death of Ajit Pawar were supposed to take place some day. But Sunetra Pawar leaving for Mumbai so early, statements coming from their (NCP) party leaders are somewhat not acceptable to our minds. What is the haste? The oath ceremony could have taken place a week later," he further claimed. (PTI)

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Social activist Anjali Damania criticises 'hurried' appointment of Sunetra Pawar

Social activist Anjali Damania, who had earlier filed court complaints in multiple alleged scams involving late Ajit Pawar, strongly criticised the hurried appointment of his wife, Sunetra Pawar, as deputy CM during the mourning period. She termed the move "insensitive" and alleged it is a "conspiracy: of BJP to finish the NCP.

Damania said that in the race for power, emotions hold no value—not even for grieving family members. She alleged that Sunetra Pawar’s lack of political experience would put her under control of BJP. According to Damania, by ensuring her elevation not only as deputy CM but also as the national president of the NCP, the BJP has effectively positioned her as a control point, forcing Sharad Pawar to include her in any discussions on a possible merger of the two NCP factions.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Sunetra Pawar becomes leader of NCP's legislature party

Sunetra Pawar unanimously elected chief of the NCP legislature party; succeeds husband Ajit Pawar, whose sudden demise led to the vacancy.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar arrives for NCP legislators’ meeting

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Sunetra Pawar will be elected leader of the legislature party, says Chhagan Bhujbal

At the meeting, Sunetra Pawar will be elected leader of the legislature party and the deputy CM candidate. It’s what the party MLAs want. Then she will decide on party matters and further questions, says NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: NCP legislators at Vidhan Bhavan

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar for the NCP party legislature meeting

Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar has left Devgiri for the NCP party legislature meeting at Vidhan Bhavan.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: BJP seeking opportunity even in death; no information on Sunetra Pawar's swearing in, says Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday slammed the ruling BJP, accusing it of looking for an opportunity in NCP chief and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar's death.

Talking to reporters, the Rajya Sabha MP declined to comment on Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, being sworn in as the Dy CM, saying no one has the information about the same.

Ajit Pawar was killed in the January 28 plane crash at Baramati in Pune district along with four others.

"The BJP has nothing to do with the mourning period. It is looking for an opportunity even in death. This is not the time to talk about the matter. I will talk about this after the mourning period is over," Raut said.

Asked about NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's remark that he had "no idea" about Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in as Dy CM, he said only the top BJP leadership, or NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, may be privy to the information.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare meet Sunetra Pawar ahead of the legislature party meeting

NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare on Saturday met Sunetra Pawar at the official residence of her late husband Ajit Pawar here ahead of the legislature party meeting.

NCP working president Patel and the party's state chief Tatkare held parleys with Sunetra Pawar on the current political situation.

Ajit Pawar, who was deputy chief minister and finance minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government, was killed in a plane crash in Baramati along with four others earlier this week.

The legislature party meeting will be held at 2 pm in the Vidhan Bhavan office, following which Sunetra Pawar is expected to take oath as the deputy chief minister.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Pawars upset as Sunetra skips joint family meet, leaves for Mumbai

A Pawar family meeting planned for late Friday at Sharad Pawar’s residence in Baramati to discuss possible merger of the two NCP factions couldn’t happen as Ajit’s wife Sunetra left for Mumbai for the oath-taking ceremony without informing those from the rival NCP (SP). Ajit had been pressing for a merger before his death in a plane crash Wednesday.

Sources said family members are upset with Sunetra for not consulting Sharad Pawar or any of them while accepting the DCM post in the state cabinet. Sources close to the Pawars told TOI the family members were hurt that none of them was even invited nor informed about the Saturday's oath taking ceremony.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Sunetra seen as ideal choice as she could provide a smooth transition

While the names of Ajit’s sons Jay and Parth are also doing the rounds, what weighs things far more in Sunetra’s favour is the feeling that there needs to be continuity, which the 62-year-old widow of the Maratha strongman will provide more than anyone else as she is the spouse, plus the fact that seniority considerations have to be kept in mind to some extent while picking a successor.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Sunetra move to pre-empt takeover by Sharad faction?

The decision to appoint Sunetra Pawar as deputy CM within days of her husband’s passing is seen as a pre-emptive move aimed at scotching speculation around NCP’s leadership and likely contenders to the post. The decision was taken by senior NCP members and conveyed to CM Devendra Fadnavis, who has endorsed it.

Political observers said NCP and BJP are keen on a swift appointment to contain any political fallout arising from Ajit Pawar’s absence, and before the process of merger of the two NCP factions begins when the party may have to contend with demands by the Sharad Pawar faction. The merger is on the cards and talks have gathered momentum after the two factions joined hands to contest civic elections.

After Ajit’s death, some NCP members are openly advocating a merger under the guidance of Sharad Pawar. But this has not been welcomed by all sides, sources said. Some fear an attempt by the senior Pawar to assume control or demands from his camp for a stake in govt.

BJP too wants less political friction ahead of state Budget. For now, Sunetra could be elected NCP’s legislature party leader and then deputy CM, but she may remain without a portfolio till cabinet reshuffle. She will have a six-month window from the day she is sworn-in to get elected to the state legislature. However, it is likely that the finance portfolio which was held by Ajit may stay with Fadnavis who will present this year’s Budget.

“There is a bid to hasten the process and fill up the deputy CM and NCP legislature party leaders posts as soon as possible. Because if the merger happens, new netas from NCP (SP) will also be in fray and control could slip away,” a source said.

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Sharad Pawar says 'no information about Sunetra Pawar's name for Deputy CM'

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief and Ajit Pawar's uncle, Sharad Pawar on Saturday said that he has no information about NCP MP Sunetra Pawar's name being pitched for the post of Maharashtra deputy chief minister.

Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Sharad Pawar said that NCP Working President Praful Patel and MP Sunil Tatkare took the initiative to decide on the posts that fell vacant after Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash.

He said, "I have no information about it (Sunetra Pawar's name for the Deputy CM post). Her party must have decided. What I saw in the newspaper today: some names like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatakare who have taken the initiative to make some decisions."

Sunetra Pawar Oath Ceremony Live: Sunetra Pawar reaches Mumbai, all set to become state's first woman Dy CM

Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar, who is all set to be sworn in as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister replacing her deceased husband and NCP chief Ajit Pawar in the state cabinet, reached Mumbai on Saturday.

She reached Devgiri, the official residence of her late husband in south Mumbai, in the wee hours, accompanied by son Parth.

The 62-year-old leader, who is not a member of either house of the Maharashtra legislature, will be elected as leader of the legislature wing of the Nationalist Congress Party at a meeting in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon, and is all set to take oath as Maharashtra’s first woman deputy CM.