In a poignant prelude to the crucial Budget session of Parliament, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule made a significant visit to Baramati on Saturday. She met Ashatai Pawar, the mother of the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, at her Katewadi residence. This emotional meeting occurred just before Sule departed for Delhi to participate in the parliamentary proceedings, highlighting the blend of personal grief and public duty.
A Meeting Steeped in Emotion and Duty
Following the encounter, Supriya Sule shared heartfelt details with the media. She revealed that she sought Asha kaki's (a respectful term for aunt) permission to travel to Delhi for the Budget session. In response, Ashatai Pawar emphasized the importance of national responsibility, urging Sule to attend Parliament as it was her duty. "Asha kaki told me that this was the country's Budget and I must go. She also said it was my duty to attend the session as the NCP (SP)'s floor leader in Parliament," Sule recounted, underscoring the elder's guidance during this somber time.
Family in Mourning: A Pause from Politics
The Pawar family continues to grapple with the profound loss of Ajit Pawar, who passed away just three days prior. Supriya Sule made it clear that the family remains in deep mourning and is not prepared to engage in political discussions. "My brother (cousin) died three days ago. We are extraordinarily disturbed," she stated, firmly declining to comment on ongoing political developments in Mumbai or the swearing-in of Sunetra Pawar.
When questioned about Sharad Pawar's meeting with Parth Pawar, Ajit Pawar's son, Sule clarified, "Saheb (Sharad Pawar) met Parth Pawar because we are a family. I don't know what is happening in Mumbai and I have nothing to do with it." This statement reinforces the family's focus on unity and personal solace over political maneuvering during this period of grief.
Political Reactions and Tributes
Amidst the mourning, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar expressed his sentiments regarding Sunetra Pawar's appointment as the new deputy chief minister, succeeding Ajit Pawar. He conveyed happiness over her elevation and later took to social media to congratulate her, noting her historic achievement as the state's first woman deputy chief minister. However, Rohit Pawar also acknowledged the irreplaceable nature of Ajit Pawar, suggesting that the family sees glimpses of him in Sunetra in some manner.
This development occurs against the backdrop of the highly anticipated Budget 2026, where Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to deliver her record ninth consecutive budget speech. Key focuses include potential reforms, a capex push amidst global challenges, and possible tax relief for salaried and middle-class taxpayers under the new tax regime for FY 2026-27. The session holds significant weight for economic policies and public welfare initiatives.
The visit by Supriya Sule not only underscores the personal bonds within the Pawar family but also highlights the unwavering commitment of political leaders to their parliamentary duties, even in times of personal loss. As the Budget session unfolds, all eyes will be on Delhi for policy announcements, while the Pawar family continues to navigate their grief with dignity and resilience.
