Sunetra Pawar on Tuesday officially took charge as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister at the Mantralaya, promising to continue the legacy and uphold the ideals of her late husband and former Dy CM Ajit Pawar. She pledged to work with devotion and integrity for the welfare of farmers, youth, women, and the broader citizenry of the state.

Accompanied by NCP Working President Praful Patel, state unit chief Sunil Tatkare, and ministers including Chhagan Bhujbal, Hasan Mushrif, and Narhari Zirwal, Sunetra Pawar attended her first Cabinet meeting since being sworn in on January 31. She has been allocated the portfolios of Sports and Youth Welfare, Excise, and Minority Affairs.

In a statement shared on X, Sunetra Pawar said, “The lifelong dedication that Hon. Ajitdada showed towards Maharashtra’s development is my guiding light. I will move forward on this path, fulfilling his unfulfilled dreams and working for the aspirations of farmers, women, youth, and ordinary citizens.” She added that while no one can replace Ajit Pawar, she is committed to building a more capable Maharashtra in line with his vision.

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Following her assumption of office, she visited the Siddhi Vinayak temple for darshan, paid respects at Chaityabhoomi in Dadar to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and later offered tributes at the state NCP office to her late husband. These visits symbolised her commitment to both spiritual guidance and political responsibility.

Sunetra Pawar reflected on the principles of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar, stating that she would carry forward her husband’s mantra of serving farmers, labourers, youth, and marginalized communities. She acknowledged the grief of Ajit Pawar’s untimely passing but said the trust and support of the people of Maharashtra empower her to fulfill his vision.

Reaffirming her dedication, she concluded, “With the power of your trust, illuminating Dada’s ideals, I will continue to work tirelessly and honestly for a just, equitable, and developed Maharashtra, moving forward with renewed hope and commitment to public service.”

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