Sunetra Pawar set to be NCP chief, named guardian minister for Pune, Beed

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Maharashtra govt on Tuesday appointed deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar the guardian minister of Beed and Pune districts, ending almost a week-long speculation over leadership in the two politically crucial districts. The appointment was announced through a govt resolution issued by the general administration department.The guardian minister posts fell vacant following the death of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on Jan 28. Ajit Pawar had taken charge as Beed's guardian minister in Jan 2025, while he was appointed guardian minister of Pune in Oct 2023, replacing BJP's Chandrakant Patil. The general administration department order stated that appointments of guardian ministers and co-guardian ministers were earlier made through a decision issued on Jan 18, 2025. It noted that Ajit Pawar, who held the finance and planning portfolios as deputy CM, was the guardian minister of Pune and Beed, and that the positions became vacant following his demise.In the past, Beed district has had two women guardian ministers — Pankaja Munde and the late Vimal Mundada.The decision came as a sigh of relief for the NCP camp, which feared losing political weightage and being cornered in the absence of Ajit Pawar. Party functionaries privately expressed concern that denial of key responsibilities to Sunetra Pawar could weaken NCP's position in Marathwada and western Maharashtra.Political observers said the move also reflects a calibrated strategy by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. They said while the crucial finance department held by Ajit Pawar is not allotted to Sunetra Pawar, denying her the guardian ministership of Beed and Pune could have dented BJP's image of coalition balance. Observers added that such a decision might have a direct bearing on the upcoming zilla parishad polls scheduled for Feb 7 in different parts of the state.Beed remains one of the most sensitive districts in the state due to tensions linked to the Maratha reservation agitation, caste-related friction between Maratha and OBC groups, and recurring law-and-order challenges. Pune, meanwhile, carries immense political and administrative significance owing to its large urban electorate and strategic importance.MLAs across party lines in Beed welcomed the decision. NCP MLA Vijaysinh Pandit said the appointment restores clarity and confidence. "Sunetra Pawar's appointment as guardian minister brings stability at a crucial time. Ajit Pawar laid a strong administrative foundation, and we are confident that she will carry forward that vision with a focus on development and social harmony," Pandit told TOI.NCP fifth-term MLA Prakash Solanke termed the decision timely. "Beed is a sensitive district and needs mature leadership. Sunetra Pawar has the exposure and experience to handle this responsibility effectively," he said.BJP MLA Suresh Dhas also welcomed the move. "There is no replacement for Ajit Pawar, but the district needs a firm and fair hand after his demise. Sunetra Pawar's appointment will help address people's concerns and maintain balance," Dhas said.