Sunetra Pawar To Be Proposed As Maharashtra Deputy CM Following Ajit Pawar’s Death in a Plane Crash

Mumbai, January 29: In the wake of the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28, leaders of his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction have formally proposed his wife, Sunetra Pawar, to succeed him in the state cabinet. The proposal was moved during a high-level party meeting as the party looks to stabilise its leadership and maintain its influence within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

Sunetra Pawar, who currently serves as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha, is seen by many party loyalists as the most viable candidate to carry forward Ajit Pawar’s political legacy. The move aims to prevent a leadership vacuum and ensure that the administrative momentum in his home bastion of Baramati remains uninterrupted. While the proposal has gained significant internal support, a final decision rests with the senior leadership of the Mahayuti alliance, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Ajit Pawar Cremated With Full State Honours As Maharashtra Bids An Emotional Farewell (Watch Videos).

Internal Support for the Transition

The proposal to elevate Sunetra Pawar was reportedly championed by several senior NCP ministers and MLAs who were close aides to the late Deputy CM. They argue that her elevation would provide a sense of continuity for the party’s rank and file during a period of intense mourning.

Proponents of the move highlight her recent experience in the Rajya Sabha and her longstanding involvement in social and developmental work in Baramati. They believe her transition to the state cabinet would consolidate the party's base ahead of the upcoming local body elections. Ajit Pawar, ‘Dada’ in Maharashtra Politics and an Able Administrator, Is No More.

Alliance Dynamics and Challenges

While the NCP faction has reached a consensus on Sunetra Pawar’s name, the appointment requires the official approval of the Governor and the consent of alliance partners. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed his condolences but has not yet commented formally on the cabinet reshuffle.

Political analysts suggest that while Sunetra Pawar is a natural successor, the alliance may also weigh other senior names within the party to maintain a balance of power. However, the emotional sentiment within the NCP currently favors a member of the Pawar family to hold the high-profile post.

The sudden loss of Ajit Pawar has left the NCP at a crossroads. As the party grapples with the personal and political loss, the focus has shifted entirely to maintaining unity. The suggestion of Sunetra Pawar’s name is viewed as a strategic move to preempt any internal dissent or poaching attempts by rival factions.

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Details

On the morning of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed when their chartered Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) crashed at Baramati Airport during a second landing attempt. The aircraft, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, departed Mumbai at 8:10 AM and established contact with the Baramati airfield about eight minutes later. Due to poor visibility, which was reported to be around 3,000 meters at the time, the pilots were unable to sight the runway during their initial approach and performed a standard "go-around" maneuver.

During the subsequent attempt to land on Runway 11, the jet reportedly became unstable, veered off the threshold, and burst into flames upon impact at approximately 8:44 AM. Local witnesses described a large explosion followed by several smaller blasts, making rescue operations impossible for the emergency teams that arrived on the scene.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 29, 2026 04:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).