Committed to Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedar ideology: Sunetra Pawar

Mumbai: In her first public address from an official platform, Maharashtra’s newly-appointed Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Thursday paid tributes to her late husband Ajit Pawar and reiterated the NCP’s commitment to the ideology of ‘Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar’.

Sunetra Pawar’s statement comes weeks ahead of her formally taking over as the NCP national President.

Sunetra Pawar (62) was elected the NCP’s legislative party leader and appointed Deputy Chief Minister on January 31, 2026, three days after her husband Ajit Pawar (66), popularly known as Dada, died in a plane crash in Baramati in Pune district on January 28, 2026.

Sunetra Pawar’s commitment to the ideology of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar came at the official function to commemorate the 396th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the iconic warrior-king at the Junnar Fort in the Pune district.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were also present at the function.

At the commencement of the function, rich tributes were paid to Ajit Pawar and his absence was missed by one and all.

Emotional Sunetra Pawar said that during the difficult times that she faced recently, she drew inspiration from Rajmata Jijau and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

“I paid grateful homage to Maharaj's deeds and thoughts. I bow at the feet of Rajmata Jijau Masaheb,” she said.

“Shivaji Maharaj's foresight, disciplined administration, and dedication to public welfare will forever remain an inspiration for us. On this occasion, I resolve to further strengthen the mantra of self-respect, courage, and public service that Shivray gave, through my work. Drawing inspiration from their thoughts, let us all move forward unitedly to build a people-centric and progressive Maharashtra—this will be my firm commitment always,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

“I assure you that we remain committed to Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar…Dada’s legacy will continue,” she said.

It needs to be mentioned that after she took over as the Deputy Chief Minister, the NCP leadership wants her anointed as the NCP National President.

Last week, Sunetra Pawar, accompanied by her sons Parth and Jay besides senior leaders - NCP Working President Praful Patel and state unit President Sunil Tatkare also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister and BJP’s chief strategist Amit Shah.

In fact, the statement of Sunetra Pawar is a reaffirmation of the NCP’s Nagpur Declaration which was adopted on September 19, 2025 at the Rashtravadi Chintan Shivir in the geographical centre of India.

At the event, late Ajit Pawar had said, “We are committed to ‘sarva dharma sambhav’ and the guiding thought of ‘Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar’.”