Sunetra Pawar during swearing-in ceremony
Credit: Lok Bhavan
Mumbai: Hours after she took over as Maharashtra’s first woman deputy chief minister, NCP’s Sunetra Pawar has reiterated her commitment to the 'Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar' ideology and assured to carry forward the legacy of her late husband Ajit Pawar.
Besides, she thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister and BJP stalwart Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
On January 28, Ajit Pawar, 66, who was the state’s deputy chief minister and NCP national president, died in a plane crash at his hometown of Baramati in Pune district.
On January 31, Sunetra, 62, was elected the leader of the NCP legislature party and took over as the state’s deputy chief minister.
Sunetra, who is part of the BJP-led Maha Yuti government which also comprises Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, has been allocated the portfolios State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Affairs, Minorities Development and Aukaf.
In her first reactions on X, Sunetra said in Marathi: “Ajit Dada has given the mantra of living one's entire life for farmers, labourers, women, youth, and deprived sections. Today, carrying forward the legacy of their thoughts with unwavering loyalty to the principles of ‘Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar’, my heart is truly overflowing as I accept the responsibility of the deputy chief minister with a sense of duty.”
“Though the untimely passing of Dada has caused a mountain of sorrow to crash upon my heart, the true support I have is the duty-bound commitment, the strength to struggle, and the bond with the people that he taught me. I will continue to work tirelessly and honestly to realize the just, equality-based, and developed Maharashtra of his dreams. In these difficult times, the love and support from the people of Maharashtra is my true strength. With the power of your trust, illuminating Dada's ideals, I will keep moving forward with new hope,” added Sunetra.
“The blessing you have given is inspiring for me. As I begin the new responsibility for the service of Maharashtra, your words have increased my confidence for the work of public welfare. The resolve to work honestly and with dedicated sentiment for the welfare of the people of the state has become even stronger because of this. Heartfelt thanks for your trust,” she said, thanking Modi.
“It will be my duty to fulfill the dream that Ajit Dada envisioned for the upliftment and empowerment of women, farmers, and every section of society. Strengthening the construction of Maharashtra by fulfilling every word of his in accordance with his efforts will be my goal,” she said thanking Shah.
Thanking Fadnavis, she said: “For the welfare of Maharashtra, to carry forward Ajit Dada's thoughts through developmental works, and for the values he upheld throughout his life, I have taken this decision. It is my sense of duty to carry forward the legacy of those thoughts—with the trust, loyalty, and responsibility with which he served Maharashtra.”