Mumbai (Maharashtra)

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey on Saturday questioned the urgency in filling the Deputy Chief Minister post in Maharashtra.

He said the haste had raised moral and political concerns and that even senior leader Sharad Pawar was not aware of the developments.

Ajit Pawar, 66, died in a plane crash on January 28.

Late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's wife and Rajya Sabha MP, Sunetra Pawar, has been elected as the leader of the NCP Legislative Party. She will take the oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra this evening.

Speaking to ANI, Dubey said, "Is what is happening moral?... Sharad Pawar is not aware of anything... Maharashtra is not happy with what is happening... What is the reason for this haste?"

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC extended her best wishes to Sunetra Pawar as she will take oath as the Deputy CM of Maharashtra this evening, welcoming the possibility of a woman holding the post.

"Best wishes to her, a woman Deputy CM. She is also my neighbour. Best wishes to her," she said.

Sunetra Pawar is known for her work in the fields of sustainable development, environmental conservation, and rural empowerment.

A Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, she has emerged as a driving force behind several initiatives that promote inclusive and sustainable progress.

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Ahead of the meeting, Sunil Tatkare said the party's legislature members are expected to elect Sunetra Pawar as the Legislative Party Leader. In 2010, she founded the Environmental Forum of India (EFOI), a non-governmental organization dedicated to raising environmental awareness and fostering eco-conscious communities. She has led extensive grassroots campaigns focusing on biodiversity conservation, protection of endangered species, water resource management, and drought mitigation.

After the meeting, NCP members will meet the Chief Minister with an official letter for a final decision.