Sunetra Pawar to be Maharashtra Deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar, is reportedly set to be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of India — Maharashtra. This development follows the death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in an air crash on January 28. Sharad Pawar, chief of the India — Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar faction, has publicly stated he has no knowledge of the swearing-in, learning about it through media reports. He suggested that the decision was made by the India — Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar, with individuals like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare taking the initiative. Sharad Pawar also recalled Ajit Pawar's wish to unite the two NCP factions, with merger talks having been underway and a date set for February 12 before Ajit Pawar's untimely death. The India — Bharatiya Janata Party, which leads the current government, has expressed support for the decision made by Ajit Pawar's family and party.