Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 3: Following the demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the new Deputy Chief Minister and formally assumed charge. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Raj Bhavan on the fourth day after Ajit Pawar’s death.

The swearing-in of Sunetra Pawar took place amid criticism over the perceived haste, while several leaders also came out in her support. Clarifying the matter, Nationalist Congress Party working president Praful Patel said that the Pawar family completed all last rites and rituals on the third day itself, following which Sunetra Pawar took oath on the fourth day.

Subsequently, Sunetra Pawar has been entrusted with the responsibility of Guardian Minister for Pune and Beed districts. The General Administration Department has issued an official circular in this regard.

After assuming office as Deputy Chief Minister, Sunetra Pawar has been allocated all portfolios previously held by Ajit Pawar, except the finance department. Praful Patel also stated at a press conference that she is likely to be given the responsibility of National President of the NCP.

With discussions ongoing around the guardian minister posts for Pune and Beed, the government has now formally confirmed that both districts will be under Sunetra Pawar’s charge. It has also been announced that she will report to the Mantralaya office on February 9. Ajit Pawar, during his tenure, was known for addressing issues of party workers across the state through the Mantralaya.

Following Ajit Pawar’s death, shutdowns were observed in Baramati and Beed districts. As a son of Baramati, Pawar was remembered with deep affection by residents who observed a bandh in his honour. Similarly, in Beed, where he had served as Guardian Minister in recent months, people paid tribute by observing a shutdown, reflecting the close bond he had built with the district.

Now, after Ajit Pawar’s passing, the responsibility of Beed district has also been handed over to Sunetra Pawar. Notably, Ajit Pawar had earlier been assigned charge of Beed following the resignation of minister Dhananjay Munde, who stepped down amid controversy over his alleged links with Valmik Karad, the main accused in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case.