Sharad Pawar Says Unaware of Reports on Sunetra Pawar’s Possible Deputy CM Swearing-In

Baramati, 31st January 2026: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said he had no prior information about reports suggesting that Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar, may be sworn in as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister.

Addressing a press conference in Baramati, the veteran leader clarified that he came to know about the development through media reports. “I was not aware that such a swearing-in was being planned. No discussion was held with me regarding this,” he said when asked whether any member of his family would attend the reported ceremony.

Pawar indicated that the decision appeared to have been taken internally by the rival faction of the party. Referring to senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, he said he had been told they may have taken the initiative. “The decision must have been taken by their party,” he remarked, suggesting that the ruling group may have felt the need to fill the post following Ajit Pawar’s demise.

Sources within the party have indicated that Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar is being considered for induction into the state cabinet as Deputy Chief Minister. The discussions reportedly gathered pace after Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, with some leaders pushing for her inclusion in the government.

Talks of Reunification Revealed-
Sharad Pawar also disclosed that before his death, Ajit Pawar and senior leader Jayant Patil had been in talks for the past four months about a possible reunification of the two NCP factions.

“We had reached a broad understanding that both groups would work together. It was decided that an announcement would be made on February 12 — a date suggested by Ajit himself. Unfortunately, the tragic accident forced us to postpone that decision,” he said.

In an emotional note, Pawar added, “We cannot bring Ajit back. Now we must consider how to deal with the situation going forward.”

When asked directly whether he had been consulted about Sunetra Pawar’s name, Pawar responded, “Their party is separate, and ours is separate.” He also dismissed speculation linking the Bharatiya Janata Party to the internal developments.

Addressing theories surrounding the plane crash that claimed Ajit Pawar’s life, Pawar urged restraint and said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a detailed probe. “All aspects will be thoroughly examined,” he stated.