Sunetra Pawar : Today, as the state observes three days of mourning following the heartbreaking plane crash that claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others near Baramati Airport, the spotlight naturally turns to his wife, Sunetra Pawar—a woman who has quietly yet powerfully carved her own path in public life, environmental activism, and politics.
Sunetra Pawar, the Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra and Chairperson of Baramati Hi-Tech Textile Park Ltd., has long been more than just the spouse of one of the state’s most influential leaders. She is a dedicated environmentalist, social worker, and now, in this moment of profound grief, a symbol of the Pawar family’s enduring strength.
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From Baramati Roots to Environmental Leadership
Born into a politically connected family as the sister of former state minister and Lok Sabha MP Padamsinh Patil, Sunetra has always been deeply tied to rural Maharashtra. In 2010, she founded the Environmental Forum of India (EFOI), an NGO committed to promoting organic farming, eco-villages, clean energy initiatives, and sustainable rural development. Starting from her home base in Baramati, the organization has expanded to advocate for environmental awareness, eco-friendly festivals, and community-led conservation efforts.
Her work has earned her accolades, including the Green Warrior Award, recognizing her as a true champion of sustainability in a state where agriculture and ecology often intersect with politics.
As Chairperson of the Baramati Textile Company, she has also championed economic empowerment through industry, blending modern textile innovation with local employment opportunities.
Sunetra Pawar : Stepping into the Political Arena
In 2024, Sunetra contested the Lok Sabha seat from Baramati—the Pawar family’s traditional stronghold—on behalf of the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction. Though she faced a high-profile contest against her sister-in-law Supriya Sule (from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP), the election highlighted her growing role in the family’s political legacy.
Currently serving as a Rajya Sabha member, Sunetra has focused on issues like women’s empowerment, rural education (as a trustee of Vidya Pratishthan), and sustainable development. She is also associated with the World Entrepreneurship Forum (France) as a think tank member since 2011.
A Family in Mourning
Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar shared a partnership that balanced high-stakes politics with family life. They have two sons: Parth Pawar, who has contested elections in the past (including from Maval in 2019), and Jay Pawar, who maintains a relatively private profile.
The tragic crash on January 28, 2026, occurred as Ajit was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati for election-related rallies ahead of local body polls. The Learjet 45 attempted a second landing approach before the fatal incident. No survivors were reported from the five on board.
In the immediate aftermath, Sunetra—along with sons Parth and Jay, Supriya Sule, and other family members—rushed from Delhi (where they were attending Parliament’s budget session) to Baramati. The Pawar family, despite past divisions, has come together in grief, with leaders from across parties expressing condolences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Ajit Pawar as a “leader of the people” with a strong grassroots connect, while Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced state mourning.
Strength in Service
In the wake of this unimaginable loss, Sunetra Pawar stands at a crossroads. Speculation has already begun about her potential role in leading the NCP faction her husband built, or bridging divides within the broader Pawar ecosystem. Her background in grassroots activism, environmental causes, and parliamentary experience positions her uniquely to continue the legacy of service to Maharashtra’s people.
Yet, today is not about speculation—it’s about honoring a shared life of dedication and offering support to a family that has given so much to public life.
Sunetra Pawar’s journey—from founding an NGO dedicated to a greener future, to stepping boldly into electoral politics—reminds us that leadership often emerges from quiet, consistent effort rather than just spotlight moments.
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In this hour of sorrow, Maharashtra and India stand with her, her sons, and the entire Pawar family. May her resilience inspire continued work toward the sustainable, inclusive Maharashtra she and Ajit envisioned.
Om Shanti.
