Shiv Sena Minister Questions ‘Haste’ In Sunetra Pawar’s Swearing-In
Ms. Pawar took oath as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday evening in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The development comes just four days after the tragic death of her husband, NCP leader Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash at Baramati.
Mumbai: Sunetra Pawar’s induction into the Maharashtra government as a deputy chief minister has reportedly unsettled the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, with senior leaders questioning the timing of her swearing-in.
Ms. Pawar took oath as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday evening in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The development comes just four days after the tragic death of her husband, NCP leader Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash at Baramati.
Senior Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat expressed surprise at what he described as the “haste” shown by the NCP. “It appears this urgency stems from internal politics within the NCP,” Mr. Shirsat said.
He added that the developments over the past two days had not gone down well with the public. “For some people, power seems more important than human considerations. Personally, I feel the oath ceremony could have taken place a little later,” he said.
Mr. Shirsat further remarked that while Sunetra Pawar replacing her husband was expected, the timing raised questions. “Her early departure for Mumbai and the statements made by NCP leaders are difficult to accept. What was the urgency? The ceremony could have been held a week later,” he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also criticised the move, alleging that the BJP was engaging in political manoeuvring even amid grief. “This is not the time to discuss such issues. There is a period of mourning. I will speak on these matters once it is over,” Mr. Raut said.
Senior BJP leader Girish Mahajan, however, defended the decision, stating that the appointment was an internal matter of the NCP. “There may have been technical or strategic political reasons behind the decision. Given that only four days have passed since Ajit Pawar’s death, it is difficult to comment further,” he said.
NCP leader Anil Patil said that although the swearing-in may appear rushed, it was necessary under the circumstances. Calling it the need of the hour, he said, “Ajit Pawar’s death is a tragic event. Party workers were scattered and disoriented, and it was essential for someone to take charge of the leadership.”
