Last Updated:January 31, 2026, 00:03 IST

Devendra Fadnavis’ remarks came shortly after sources within the NCP said Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, is expected to be sworn in as Maharashtra Deputy CM.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (Image: PTI/File)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the ruling Mahayuti alliance would fully support the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) decision on filling the vacant Deputy Chief Minister’s post, amid reports that Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar, is likely to be chosen for the role.

Fadnavis’ remarks came shortly after sources within the NCP said Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, is expected to be sworn in as Deputy CM, with the party legislature meeting scheduled for 2 pm on Saturday.

“The decision will be taken by the NCP. We will stand by whatever decision the NCP takes. We are standing with the family of Ajit Dada and the party,” Fadnavis told reporters, underlining the alliance’s support at a sensitive time.

Ajit Pawar died in an aircraft crash near Baramati airport on January 28, leaving the Deputy CM post vacant and triggering deliberations within the NCP over succession.

When asked whether the NCP had formally proposed any name, Fadnavis said party leaders had discussed various options with him on two occasions. Earlier on Friday, senior NCP leaders met the chief minister to consult on the way forward.

NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said Fadnavis had conveyed that there were no objections to holding Sunetra Pawar’s oath-taking ceremony on Saturday.

“Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Dhananjay Munde and I met the chief minister last night and again today. We asked whether everything, including the swearing-in, could be done tomorrow. The chief minister said he had no problem,” Bhujbal said.

Sunetra Pawar is expected to be elected leader of the NCP legislature party following the crucial meeting on Saturday, clearing the way for her appointment as Deputy Chief Minister.

Welcoming the possibility, senior NCP (SP) leader and former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh said it would be a moment of great joy if Sunetra Pawar assumes the office.

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