Updated: January 28, 2026, 05:39 PM IST
In the world of Maharashtra politics, the name Ajit Pawar—affectionately called “Ajit Dada”—has always carried massive weight. As a towering leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), multiple-time Deputy Chief Minister, and a key player in state governance, his life story is legendary. But behind every strong leader stands an equally resilient partner. Today, we dive into the life of Ajit Dada’s wife, Sunetra Pawar—a woman who balances family, social work, entrepreneurship, and now active politics with remarkable grace.
Sunetra Pawar isn’t just known as Ajit Pawar’s wife; she’s a force in her own right, especially after recent events that have placed her at the center of public attention.
Table of Contents
Who is Sunetra Pawar? Early Life and Background
Born on October 18, 1963, Sunetra Pawar comes from a politically connected family herself. She is the daughter of former Maharashtra minister and Lok Sabha MP Padamsinh Bajirao Patil. Her roots are deeply tied to Maharashtra’s cooperative and rural landscape, much like her husband’s.
Sunetra and Ajit Pawar tied the knot in an arranged marriage on December 30, 1985. Their union was strengthened by shared political alliances and family ties—her brother was a close aide to Sharad Pawar. Over the decades, Sunetra has stood by Ajit through highs and lows, from his early days in cooperatives to his rise as one of Maharashtra’s most influential figures.
What sets her apart is her independent streak. While supporting her husband’s career, she built her own path in social causes and business.
Sunetra Pawar’s Career and Contributions
Sunetra Pawar has worn many hats—social activist, entrepreneur, and politician.
- Social and Environmental Work — She founded the Environmental Forum of India (EFOI) in 2010, focusing on organic farming, eco-villages, and conservation. Her efforts have promoted sustainable rural development.
- Empowering Women — As chairperson of Baramati Hi-Tech Textile Park, she has created jobs for thousands of rural women, boosting economic independence.
- Education and Global Reach — A trustee of Vidya Pratishthan (an institution founded by Sharad Pawar serving over 25,000 students) and a Senate member at Savitribai Phule Pune University since 2017. She’s also been part of the World Entrepreneurship Forum in France since 2011.
- Political Journey — In 2024, she stepped into national politics as a Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra on an NCP ticket. She contested the Baramati Lok Sabha seat that year (though unsuccessfully), marking her as a key player in the Pawar legacy.
Her work often complemented Ajit Dada’s focus on farmers, water resources, and rural Maharashtra.
Family Life: Ajit Dada’s Personal Side
Ajit and Sunetra built a close-knit family amid the chaos of politics.
Here’s a quick overview of their immediate family:
| Family Member | Relation to Ajit Pawar | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sunetra Pawar | Wife | Born 1963; Rajya Sabha MP; Chairperson, Baramati Hi-Tech Textile Park; Social activist |
| Parth Pawar | Elder Son | Briefly entered politics (contested 2019 Lok Sabha from Maval, lost); Maintains low profile now |
| Jay Pawar | Younger Son | Focuses on business; Low public profile; Recently married in 2025 |
The family often appeared together at events, with Sunetra a constant presence at rallies and welfare programs. Despite political pressures—including the 2023 NCP split—Sunetra remained a pillar of support and stability.
Sunetra Pawar’s Role in the Pawar Legacy
In Maharashtra’s high-stakes politics, Sunetra Pawar represents continuity and strength. After Ajit’s long service—from irrigation reforms to finance and planning—she has emerged as more than a supportive spouse. Her Rajya Sabha role and social initiatives show she’s ready to carry forward the family’s commitment to rural empowerment and development.
Many see her as a bridge in the Pawar dynasty, especially with ties to Sharad Pawar’s faction and her own independent path. Her journey inspires many women in politics: quiet determination often speaks louder than headlines.
Conclusion
Sunetra Pawar is much more than “Ajit Dada’s wife”—she’s a leader, entrepreneur, and advocate who has shaped lives in Maharashtra’s heartland. From empowering rural women to championing environmental causes and stepping into Parliament, her contributions stand tall. In a world of fast-changing alliances, her steady presence reminds us that behind political giants are partners who build lasting impact.
As Maharashtra reflects on its leaders, Sunetra Pawar’s story deserves the spotlight. She’s proof that grace, hard work, and vision can redefine roles in public life.