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From shadows to spotlight: Sunetra Pawar prepares to step into Maharashtra power centre

Sunetra Pawar is set to step into Maharashtra’s power centre as deputy chief minister following the death of her husband Ajit Pawar.

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Sunetra Pawar is likely to take oath as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister on Saturday evening, marking a decisive shift in her political journey that has largely remained out of the public eye for nearly four decades.

Born Sunetra Patil, she was familiar with politics long before marrying Ajit Pawar in 1985. Her father Bajirao Patil was a prominent local leader, and her brother also remained active in public life. Despite this background, Sunetra Pawar chose not to contest elections for years, instead contributing to political decision-making quietly as the Nationalist Congress Party played a key role in Maharashtra and national politics.

That changed after the NCP split in 2023, when Ajit Pawar broke away from his uncle Sharad Pawar and laid claim to the party’s name and symbol. A year later, Sunetra Pawar entered electoral politics, contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Baramati against her sister-in-law Supriya Sule. She lost the contest by a margin of over 1.5 lakh votes but was elected to the Rajya Sabha a few months later.

Her political trajectory took a dramatic turn on Wednesday after a plane crash claimed the life of Ajit Pawar and four others. The development has placed Sunetra Pawar at the centre of Maharashtra’s political landscape.

At 62, and still coping with personal loss, she is expected to take charge as the NCP legislature party leader and assume the role of deputy chief minister, stepping into a position long associated with her husband’s political influence.

Education and public initiatives

Born in October 1963, Sunetra Pawar holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from SB College in Aurangabad. After her marriage, she was associated with the Baramati High-Tech Textile Park, where she was involved in decision-making related to production, investment, employment, and women’s empowerment.

She is also a trustee of Vidya Pratishthan, an educational group that caters to over 25,000 students.

In 2010, she founded the Environmental Forum of India, which played a role in developing Katewadi village as the country’s first eco-village, focusing on water conservation and solar energy use. Her work has included grassroots campaigns on biodiversity protection, water management, and drought mitigation.

Swearing-in and political challenges ahead

Sunetra Pawar is expected to be sworn in at 5 pm on Saturday, following discussions within the party that led to her agreeing to take up the responsibility.

NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that many within the party believe she should be given the role, adding that the vacant deputy chief minister’s post could be filled by her. He also indicated that a meeting would be held to elect the legislature party leader.

NCP working president Praful Patel said the party was united on the decision.

One of the key political questions ahead of Sunetra Pawar’s tenure will be whether the NCP should pursue reunification with the Sharad Pawar faction. Party sources have said Ajit Pawar was working towards a reunion before his death, though the political dynamics may now shift.

Any reunification would also raise questions about future leadership and political alignment, as Ajit Pawar’s faction is currently aligned with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, while the Sharad Pawar group remains with the Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena.

India News

Rabri Devi removes new security detail after Z-plus cover withdrawal, Tejashwi Yadav follows suit

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav reportedly removed newly assigned security personnel after the state government revised security cover for several political leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav.

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Rabri Devi

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has reportedly removed a newly deployed security team from her residence after the Bihar government revised the security cover provided to several political leaders in the state.

The move came days after a security review resulted in changes to the protection arrangements of several politicians, including RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav. According to reports, Rabri Devi expressed displeasure over the withdrawal of the Z-plus security cover that had previously been provided to her and her husband.

Security cover revised after government review

The Bihar government recently conducted a review of security arrangements for a number of political leaders. Following the assessment, the security category of some leaders was altered based on the recommendations of security agencies.

As part of the exercise, the Z-plus cover earlier available to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi was reportedly withdrawn. Revised security arrangements were subsequently put in place by the administration.

However, reports suggest that Rabri Devi was unhappy with the changes and directed the newly assigned personnel to leave her residence.

Tejashwi Yadav also takes similar step

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is also reported to have objected to the revised security deployment. According to sources, he too asked the newly assigned security personnel to leave.

The development has triggered political discussion in Bihar, with the RJD questioning the rationale behind the changes in security arrangements for members of the Yadav family.

Political reactions expected

The security review comes at a time when Bihar’s political environment remains active ahead of upcoming electoral battles. While the state government has maintained that security decisions are based on assessments by agencies and established protocols, opposition leaders are expected to raise questions over the timing and nature of the changes.

No official indication has emerged suggesting a reversal of the revised security arrangements so far.

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India News

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke joins protest, 6 detained during demonstration

Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Jantar Mantar as the Cockroach Janta Party staged a protest in Delhi, during which six individuals were detained by police.

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Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday as the organisation held a demonstration over examination and recruitment-related concerns. The protest took place under heightened security arrangements, with police detaining six individuals during the course of the gathering.

Supporters assembled at the designated protest venue to raise concerns over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment processes. The demonstration marked a significant public mobilisation by the organisation, which has gained attention in recent months through campaigns focused on issues affecting students and job aspirants.

Six detained amid tight security arrangements

Police maintained a strong presence around Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas ahead of the protest. Security personnel were deployed to monitor the gathering and ensure law and order during the demonstration.

According to reports, six protesters were detained during the event. Authorities closely monitored the situation as participants continued to gather at the venue. Despite the detentions, the protest remained largely peaceful.

Dipke joined supporters at the site and reiterated the group’s demand for greater transparency and accountability in examination and recruitment systems. Protesters also voiced concerns over issues related to educational governance and opportunities for young job seekers.

Protest highlights concerns of students and job aspirants

The demonstration drew participants from different regions who gathered to express concerns over examination-related controversies and recruitment processes. Organisers maintained that the protest was intended to be a peaceful and democratic expression of public grievances.

Addressing supporters, Dipke stressed the importance of continuing the movement through constitutional means and public engagement. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans highlighting their demands for reforms and greater accountability.

The event was held after authorities granted permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, one of the capital’s designated venues for public protests. Security remained in place throughout the programme as officials monitored developments.

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Cricket news

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India call-up hailed as a game changer by BCCI

BCCI has hailed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection in the Indian team as a significant moment for Indian cricket, rewarding the teenager’s outstanding performances in IPL 2026.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has welcomed the selection of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian team, describing his rapid rise as a major positive development for the future of Indian cricket.

The 15-year-old earned his maiden senior national team call-up after a stunning IPL 2026 campaign that established him as one of the country’s most exciting young talents. His fearless batting and consistent performances throughout the tournament caught the attention of selectors and cricket experts alike.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia praised the youngster’s achievements, noting that exceptional performances are always rewarded. He highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s progress reflects the strength of India’s cricket development system and the opportunities available to emerging players.

Sooryavanshi’s selection comes after a season in which he produced remarkable numbers with the bat and played a crucial role for his franchise. His ability to handle pressure situations and score at a brisk pace made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.

The teenager’s inclusion in the national squad is being viewed as an important step in India’s efforts to build a strong pool of young talent for the future. Cricket observers believe the experience of being part of the senior setup will aid his development and help him adapt to the demands of international cricket.

His rise has generated significant excitement among fans, many of whom have followed his journey from age-group cricket to the IPL and now to the national team. The selection also underlines the growing trend of young players making a rapid transition to the highest level based on outstanding performances in domestic and franchise cricket.

With expectations high, Sooryavanshi will now look to make the most of the opportunity and continue the form that earned him recognition at the national level.

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