With folded hands in a white sari, Sunetra Ajit Pawar took her oath of office at the weekend, officially becoming one of the most influential politicians in western India. “I have taken this decision for the good of Maharashtra,” stated she and announced that she would continue her late husband’s work.
Just three days after Ajit Pawar’s fatal plane crash The 62-year-old was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister of the state of Maharashtra. At the same time, she takes over the chairmanship of the parliamentary group of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The appointment came in the last reaches of local elections – quietly, strategically and, above all, quickly. Their rise is intended to prevent political conflicts after the loss of power.
Pawar brings experience, less from elected office than from civil society work and leading an influential family of politicians. Her own formal political career, however, is short: In the 2024 general election She lost to her sister-in-law Supriya Sule, a prominent rival from the other camp of the Pawar family. Shortly afterwards, however, she was appointed to the Upper House of Parliament. And now she is the deputy head of government at the head of one of India’s most economically important states. This is the first time that a woman has held such a high political office in Maharashtra.
Her appointment follows a not unknown pattern. Wives repeatedly took over their positions after the departure of powerful politicians: as guarantors of continuity, as mediators, as bearers of an established name. Sonia Gandhi entered politics after the assassination of her husband Rajiv Gandhi. Rabri Devi became chief minister of Bihar state in 1997 after her husband’s resignation. This has little to do with feminism. It is political pragmatism – but it opens the door for women to prove themselves in exceptional situations.
It is political pragmatism – but it opens the door for women to prove themselves in exceptional situations
Growing up in everyday political life
Sunetra Pawar’s father was the Home Minister of Maharashtra and a multiple MP. Politics was part of her everyday life from an early age. She studied economics and was involved in social, ecological and educational projects before entering daily politics. In 2010 she founded the Environmental Forum of India, whose concern is sustainable agriculture and the development of village structures. Pawar was also active in larger educational institutions and also as an entrepreneur.
The death of the man, Ajit Pawar, has shaken Indian politics. He was a puppet master in Maharashtra, with considerable influence, but also a controversial figure. It is no coincidence that his wife is now taking over. Her older son retired after an election defeat, the younger is an entrepreneur. Sunetra Pawar remains the one who has to ensure loyalty and at the same time convince through her actions.
She is taking office in a government that still has several years to go. Although she will not be heading the finance department that her husband previously headed, she has scope to show her profile in the areas of taxation, sports, youth welfare and minority development.
Strokes of fate have repeatedly brought women to power in Indian politics. Now it’s up to Pawar what she makes of it.