Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 31 : Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Sana Malik on Saturday hailed the appointment of Sunetra Pawar as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, calling it a historic moment for the state.
Speaking to ANI, Malik said, "History has been written as Sunetra Pawar has taken oath as the first woman deputy CM of the state. Maharashtra will get a lot of benefit as she has always been working for social causes and the upliftment of women."
State Minister Hasan Mushrif also welcomed Sunetra Pawar's elevation, saying, "Sunetra Pawar has become the first woman deputy CM of the state."
On the absence of NCP chief Sharad Pawar from the swearing-in ceremony, Mushrif added, "How will he come, his party is different, ours is different."
Sunetra Pawar who was chosen as the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party today after the tragic demise of her husband Ajit Pawar, took oath as the state's Deputy CM at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai amidst chants of 'Ajit dada amar rahe'.
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath of office to Sunetra Pawar in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
She stepped into fill the post that became vacant following the demise of NCP chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28 in Baramati. With this, Sunetra Pawar becomes the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Maharashtra State President of NCP, Sunil Tatkare and NCP Working President Praful Patel, and Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal were also present at the swearing-in ceremony.
She was elected leader of the NCP Legislative Party earlier today. NCP leaders then met with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to finalise Sunetra Pawar's appointment as Deputy CM.
Sunetra Pawar is known for her work in sustainable development, environmental conservation, and rural empowerment. As a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, she has emerged as a driving force behind several initiatives that promote inclusive and sustainable progress.
Ajit Pawar passed away on Wednesday when a chartered plane carrying him crashed-landed in Baramati. Among the deceased were his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots.
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