Kin, friends, supporters back Sunetra as deputy CM

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: NCP MP Sunetra Pawar's relatives, teachers and batchmates from Marathwada have expressed confidence in her abilities and wished her luck for the sudden political responsibility of being the first woman deputy chief minister of Maharashtra in the wake of the untimely demise of her husband, Ajit Pawar.Sunetra was born in Ter in Dharashiv district of Marathwada in the family of freedom fighter Bajirao Patil. She is the younger sister of former MLA and former MP Padmsinha Patil. She completed her schooling in Ter and pursued her college education in commerce from SBES College of Arts and Commerce at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.Her daughter-in-law Archana Patil of Dharashiv said Sunetra would definitely do justice in her new role. "Sunetra aatya was in public life quietly for the last many years. She will connect deeply with people at the grassroots in the days to come. Ajitdada not being there and aatya becoming deputy CM is a mixed bag of emotions," she told TOI.Popat Pangarkar, a Ter farmer, said Sunetra didi carries a strong political background, which would help her in the new political innings. "We all know her as a courageous woman. She stood firm behind Ajitdada all these years and will now emerge as capable as him. After tears of sorrow, we now have tears of joy," he said.As per records available with SBES College of Arts and Commerce, Sunetra got admission for Class XII in 1979 and did her BCom in 1983.The then college principal, Jivan Desai, said she stayed at the college hostel while pursuing her studies. "She was a simple and unassuming girl even as a child and was humble despite coming from an affluent family," he said, adding that it was a proud moment for the college.Pune-based advocate Lalitprabha Puntambekar, Sunetra's college friend, said she was calm and reticent since her early days. "She loved sports besides studies. She was known for being helping. We got married almost around the same time. Despite belonging to a VVIP family, she has remained in touch with friends like me," she said.