Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister on January 31, 2026. She was unanimously chosen by party leaders to lead the NCP, a party formed by her husband three years ago after splitting from Sharad Pawar's faction. Clad in a white saree, Sunetra paid tribute to her husband before taking oath at Lok Bhavan. Her son was the only Pawar family member present at the ceremony, with others saying they were not invited. Sunetra faces the challenge of leading the NCP amid a survival crisis and talks of reunification with Sharad Pawar's NCP SP. Sharad Pawar has highlighted senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare's roles in party decisions, suggesting a sidelining of the larger family. Critics call Sunetra a political novice stepping into big shoes; her late husband was known for strong leadership and mass appeal. Sunetra has served as a Rajya Sabha MP for 18 months and has 26 years of social service experience, mainly in education and rural empowerment in Baramati. Born in a Maratha political family, she had interests in music, painting, and photography. Friends describe her as sensitive, meticulous, and caring, confident she will navigate party and family challenges in this tough phase.