Mumbai: A new chapter in Maharashtra's political history was added today when 62-year-old Sunetra Pawar took oath as the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister. Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath to her during a ceremony in Mumbai. Sunetra Pawar is the wife of late NCP chief Ajit Pawar.
It is worth mentioning that Ajit Pawar passed away in an unfortunate plane crash in Baramati on January 28, after which the Nationalist Congress Party unanimously elected her as its legislature party leader.
Sunetra Pawar's appointment is an attempt to restore the balance of power in the Mahayuti government of Maharashtra. The party had submitted her name to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who sent it to the Governor for further action.
Sunetra Pawar will now carry forward her husband's political legacy. Many prominent personalities and political leaders of the state were present during the swearing-in ceremony. Sunetra Pawar's rise to this high position is also being seen as a symbol of women empowerment in the state.