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By:

Abhijit Joshi

31 August 2024 at 10:09:24 am

Sunetra Pawar’s Trial by Fire

The greatest challenge before Maharashtra’s first Deputy CM is not merely to govern, but to forge a political identity that is unmistakably her own. Politics often rewards the loudest voice. The modern political arena thrives on sharp sound bites, relentless television appearances and instant responses on social media. Yet, some leaders begin their journey not with thunder but with quiet resolve. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar finds herself at precisely such a moment. In...

Sunetra Pawar’s Trial by Fire

The greatest challenge before Maharashtra’s first Deputy CM is not merely to govern, but to forge a political identity that is unmistakably her own. Politics often rewards the loudest voice. The modern political arena thrives on sharp sound bites, relentless television appearances and instant responses on social media. Yet, some leaders begin their journey not with thunder but with quiet resolve. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar finds herself at precisely such a moment. In recent days, she has been drawn into an avoidable political controversy after the Maharashtra Congress dubbed her as “Gungi Gudiya” (“mute doll”) following a media interaction in which she chose not to answer journalists' questions. The remark quickly snowballed into a wider debate about the language used against women occupying high constitutional office. It also revived memories of the same epithet once directed at late Congress Prime Minister Indira Gandhi before she went on to become one of India’s most formidable political figures. Until recently, Sunetra Pawar remained largely outside the glare of frontline politics. She was better known in Baramati for her work in education, healthcare and social welfare than for fiery speeches or electoral campaigns. Her public image was that of a composed, private individual who preferred institution-building to political theatre. Political Limelight That changed in 2024 when she entered electoral politics, contesting the Lok Sabha election from Baramati against her sister-in-law, Supriya Sule. Though unsuccessful, she later entered Parliament through the Rajya Sabha, where she quietly focused on organisational responsibilities and social initiatives rather than cultivating a high-profile parliamentary persona. The defining moment came in January this year with the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, one of the state’s most experienced and influential political leaders. His passing created a political vacuum within the Nationalist Congress Party. At a moment of uncertainty, Sunetra Pawar stepped forward to shoulder responsibilities that few had imagined she would inherit so soon. Within days, she became Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister - a milestone in the state’s political history. But such transitions are rarely straightforward. Political parties often struggle when towering personalities disappear, and observers had predicted that the NCP might witness internal divisions. Maintaining organisational cohesion during a leadership transition is itself a considerable achievement, particularly in a state where political loyalties are often fluid and intensely personalised. However, much of the public conversation around Sunetra Pawar continues to be framed through comparisons with Ajit Pawar. The contrast is obvious. Ajit Pawar was known for his decisiveness, administrative grip and unmistakable public presence. Sunetra Pawar, by contrast, has generally remained soft-spoken, measured and reluctant to engage in unnecessary confrontation. Her supporters see restraint, dignity and maturity but critics see hesitation and insufficient public engagement. Neither assessment is entirely unfair. That is why the recent Beed incident acquired significance beyond a routine press interaction. When reporters sought her comments on law and order and she chose to leave without responding, the political vacuum was quickly filled by her opponents. The Congress’s “Gungi Gudiya” remark predictably provoked protests from the NCP and criticism from leaders across the ruling alliance, many of whom argued that such language diminished the dignity of a woman holding one of the state’s highest offices. Sunetra Pawar’s own response was notably restrained. She said she would offer a “fitting reply at the appropriate time.” The remark was consistent with the temperament she has displayed since entering public life. Leadership is ultimately judged not only by composure but also by visibility. Every major political figure eventually reaches a point where inherited legitimacy must give way to earned authority. Indira Gandhi had to step beyond Jawaharlal Nehru's towering legacy before she was recognised in her own right. Rajiv Gandhi, too, had to emerge from the shadow of Indira Gandhi while navigating extraordinary political circumstances. Their journeys were shaped by vastly different contexts, but they illustrate a universal truth: every successor must eventually become an original. Sunetra Pawar now confronts a similar, though far more modest, challenge. She must cease to be viewed primarily as “Ajit Pawar's wife” and come into her own. Distinct Identity That transformation cannot be achieved through symbolism alone. After all, lasting political stature is built through decisions, administrative outcomes and public confidence. To her credit, she has remained engaged with governance, regularly attending official programmes, reviewing development projects and interacting with citizens instead of chasing daily headlines. Yet the next stage of leadership demands something more. She will need to engage more confidently with the media, articulate her government's priorities in her own voice, and establish an administrative record that reflects independent judgement rather than inherited expectations. These are demanding tasks, but they are neither unusual nor unattainable. It is still too soon to measure Sunetra Pawar’s political legacy. She assumed responsibility at a moment when both her party and the state were adjusting to an unexpected transition, and has so far navigated that passage with composure. Yet political inheritance has a limited shelf life. While quietness, in itself, is neither a virtue nor a weakness, it acquires meaning only when it is accompanied by clarity and conviction. If Sunetra Pawar is to leave an enduring imprint on Maharashtra's politics, it will not be by echoing the style of Ajit Pawar or by answering every taunt from her opponents. It will be by developing a public voice that reflects her own instincts, her own priorities and, ultimately, her own leadership. (The writer is a political observer. Views personal.)

Mumbai’s Mega Infrastructure Leap

Updated: Apr 1, 2025

From faster commutes to massive ports, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently revealed his ambitious plans for a future-ready infrastructure revolution.

Mumbai’s Mega Infrastructure Leap

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has outlined key projects aimed at Mumbai’s development and highlighted major infrastructure initiatives across Maharashtra. He recently spoke of his mind during a public interview.


According to him, work on the Bandra to Versova Sea Link is already in progress. Additionally, a Versova to Madh Sea Link is planned, which will further extend to Virar, along with another sea link connecting Versova to Bhayander. He explained that 60 per cent of Mumbai's traffic is concentrated on the western side, and these projects aim to ease congestion on the Western Express Highway.


According to him, the travel time from Mumbai city to Virar by road during peak hours can take anywhere between two and a half to four hours. However, with these proposed projects, the journey time is expected to be reduced to about 45 to 50 minutes.


That's not all— Fadnavis also has plans for a corridor from Virar to Alibaug, along with a circular road connecting Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).


Potential of Vadhan

Fadnavis has highlighted the potential of proposed port at Vadhvan in Palghar district to elevate Maharashtra’s and India’s maritime capabilities, positioning it as a key driver of economic growth.


Mumbai's business and industrial appeal is largely driven by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, which currently handles 65 per cent of the city’s container traffic. Fadnavis noted that the proposed Vadhvan Port will be three times larger. Strategically located 10 km offshore from Vadhvan Point, it boasts a natural depth of 20 metres or 66 ft, enabling it to accommodate large vessels, including Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS).


Fourth Mumbai

Fadnavis shared that he had proposed an airport in this area to the Prime Minister, who approved the plan. The region will also feature a bullet train and is three times the size of Mumbai, envisioned as the "fourth Mumbai".

Meanwhile, the "third Mumbai" is being developed near Atul Setu as a major industrial and technological hub. This area will house 65 per cent of the state’s data centre capacity, with scope for future expansion.


Discussing future plans, the CM detailed key infrastructure projects, including road construction and the Shaktipeeth or Goa-Nagpur highway, which he said would transform Maharashtra. He also spoke about the river linkage project, which aims to connect the Wainganga and Nalganga rivers, creating a new 550-kilometre waterway to make seven districts in the Vidarbha region drought-free.


River linkage

The CM Fadnavis also shared plans to divert 54 TMC (thousand cubic feet) of water, which currently flows into the sea, to the Godavari River through a river linkage project. While 49% of Maharashtra relies on the Godavari, it remains a deficit basin. However, this initiative aims to make Northern Maharashtra and Marathwada drought-free.


While these are some of the key projects highlighted by Fadnavis, he also mentioned other initiatives in the pipeline, including new airports in Pune and Nagpur. Additionally, there are plans to transform Mumbai Airport into a brownfield project.


He concluded by stating that whether it is building a port, road, airport, or housing project, the government has undertaken the country’s largest target under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana—20 lakh houses. Of these, 10 lakh have already been allocated, with an additional five lakh to be distributed soon. Initiating the construction of 20 lakh houses in a single year marks a historic record for India.


Maharashtra's ambitious infrastructure push aims to ease congestion, boost trade, and enhance water security. It is a welcome and long-overdue solution to the state’s growing needs.

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