Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra (1978 – 2026)

1. Nasikrao Tirpude (1978)

The first Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. A Congress (Urs) leader, he served under Vasantdada Patil. Tirpude was known for his work in tribal welfare and social justice. His tenure was short but significant in creating the post of Deputy CM.

2. Ramrao Adik (1986–1988)

Congress leader who served under Shankarrao Chavan. He was respected for his legal expertise and administrative skills. His term helped strengthen the Congress base in Maharashtra during the 1980s.

3. Gopinath Munde (1995–1999)

BJP’s strong OBC leader and the first Deputy CM from the party. He served under Shiv Sena CMs Manohar Joshi and Narayan Rane. Known as a grassroots mass leader, Munde worked on rural development, law and order, and farmer issues.

4. Chhagan Bhujbal (1999–2003, 2008–2009)

A senior NCP leader and former Shiv Sainik, Bhujbal held the post twice. As Deputy CM, he worked on infrastructure, housing, and transport development. He also pushed for OBC reservations in government jobs and education.

5. Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil (2003–2004)

NCP stalwart and cooperative movement leader. He served under Sushilkumar Shinde. His main contribution was in agriculture and cooperative sectors, particularly strengthening the sugar industry.

6. R. R. Patil (2004–2008)

Popularly known as “Aaba,” he was a soft-spoken but firm NCP leader. As Deputy CM under Vilasrao Deshmukh, he also served as Home Minister. Remembered for his “Gandhigiri” approach to policing and his famous line “big cities have small incidents” after the 26/11 attacks.

7. Ajit Pawar (2010–2012, 2012–2014, 2019, 2019–2022, 2023–2026)

The most frequent Deputy CM of Maharashtra, from the NCP. Known for his strong grip on irrigation and finance portfolios, Ajit Pawar is a shrewd administrator. Despite facing corruption allegations, he has remained a central figure in state politics and is often seen as a power centre within the NCP.

8. Devendra Fadnavis (2022–2023)

Former BJP CM (2014–2019) who surprised many by accepting the post of Deputy CM under Eknath Shinde’s leadership. Fadnavis retained influence by handling Home and Finance ministries, ensuring BJP’s dominance in the coalition.

9. Ajit Pawar (2023–2026, )

Broke away from the parent NCP in 2023 to join the Shinde–BJP government as Deputy CM once again. Currently (2025), he serves as one of the key power brokers in Maharashtra politics, controlling important ministries and shaping the future of the NCP faction.

10. Eknath Shinde (from 5 December 2024 - Present)

Eknath Shinde has been serving as one of the Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra since 5 December 2024, when the coalition government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was formed following the 2024 state elections. He represents the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and holds key departments such as Urban Development and Public Works, helping manage major administrative portfolios in the state. As DCM, Shinde plays a central role in governance, political stability, and implementation of development programs across Maharashtra.

11. Sunetra Pawar (from 31 January 2026-Present)

Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on 31 January 2026, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the state’s history. She assumed office shortly after the tragic death of her husband and former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on 28 January 2026, and was unanimously elected as the NCP legislature party leader before her swearing-in. In her role, she continues her late husband’s political legacy and supports the state government’s agenda while holding portfolios such as Excise and Sports.