Sunetra Pawar to be Maharashtra First Female Deputy CM Today

Maharashtra is witnessing a historic political shift as Sunetra Pawar is slated to take the oath as the state's first female Deputy Chief Minister today at 5 PM. This development comes amid intense political activity within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the broader ruling alliance. The move is seen as a strategic masterstroke to consolidate the party's base and project a progressive image.

Official Schedule at Raj Bhavan

According to the official schedule released by the Governor's office at Lok Bhavan, the ceremony is confirmed for 5 PM. Governor Acharya Devvrat is expected to return to Mumbai from Dehradun by 4 PM to preside over the function. Before the oath, a crucial meeting of the NCP legislative party is scheduled for 2 PM, where Sunetra Pawar will be formally elected as the leader of the legislative group. Preparations at Raj Bhavan are already in full swing to accommodate the high-profile guests and party workers.

Sharad Pawar Reacts to the News

NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar has expressed surprise over the sudden announcement, stating he had no prior information regarding the oath ceremony. However, he touched upon a significant point regarding the potential merger of the two NCP factions, while sharad Pawar revealed that there were ongoing discussions about a merger, which was also the wish of Ajit Pawar. He mentioned that leaders like Jayant Patil and Shashikant Shinde had initiated talks in this regard, emphasizing that such a move would be beneficial for the party's future.

Chhagan Bhujbal Supports the Decision

Senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal addressed the media, confirming that the decision to appoint Sunetra Pawar was based on the consensus among MLAs and the prevailing political climate. He noted that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is fully supportive of this transition, while when questioned about the merger rumors, Bhujbal maintained a cautious stance, stating he had no knowledge of such discussions and preferred to focus on the immediate appointment of the Deputy CM and the legislative leader.

Constitutional Requirements and Resignation

As Sunetra Pawar is currently a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, she must resign from her parliamentary seat before assuming the office of Deputy Chief Minister. Sources indicate that the resignation process will be completed immediately following the official announcement by the legislative party. Meanwhile, the meeting between Parth Pawar and Sharad Pawar has sparked further speculation about a possible reconciliation within the Pawar family, adding another layer of intrigue to the day's events.

Impact on Maharashtra Politics

The appointment of Sunetra Pawar marks a milestone in Maharashtra's political history, breaking the glass ceiling for the Deputy CM post, while as the first woman to hold this position, her leadership will be closely watched. The political landscape in Mumbai and Baramati remains tense yet celebratory, as supporters await the formal ceremony. This move is expected to redefine the internal dynamics of the NCP. And its relationship with the Maha Yuti alliance in the coming months.