Maharashtra: Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday evening. She replaced her husband and former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who tragically passed away in a plane crash two days ago. Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath of office and secrecy to her at a solemn ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare, and Praful Patel, along with several other prominent leaders, were present on the occasion. Sunetra has been given the State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Welfare, Minority Development, and Auqaf portfolios. The Planning and Finance portfolios, previously held by Ajit Pawar, now rest with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Sunetra Pawar has been given the state excise duties, sports and youth welfare, minority development, and Wakf departments. The planning and finance departments, previously held by the late Ajit Pawar, are now with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.