Sharad Pawar Holds Family Meeting with Sunetra Pawar in Baramati Amid NCP Merger Speculation
In a significant development in Maharashtra politics, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar met his late nephew Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, at her residence in Baramati on Wednesday. This marked their first encounter since Sunetra took oath as the state's deputy chief minister last week, fueling intense speculation about a potential reunification of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party.
Closed-Door Family Gathering Reignites Reunification Buzz
Amid widespread reports of familial divisions, the meeting brought together key members of the Pawar clan, including Sunetra, her sons Parth and Jay, and other relatives. The closed-door session, held late Wednesday in their hometown, has reignited buzz about possible political reconciliation. During the gathering, Sharad Pawar and his wife Pratibha offered condolences to Ajit Pawar's family, acknowledging the recent tragedy of his death in a plane crash.
Together, they all met with local residents who visited them, showcasing a united front to the public. This move is seen as a strategic effort to mend fences and present a cohesive family image, which could have implications for the ongoing merger talks between the NCP factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar's group.
Sharad Pawar's Support and Day-Long Engagements
Earlier in the day, Sharad Pawar addressed reporters in Baramati, expressing his support for Sunetra's decision to accept the deputy CM post. "I am happy that she was given the opportunity," he stated, despite having voiced disappointment a few days prior about not being consulted beforehand. Despite health concerns, Pawar spent the entire day in a series of meetings, demonstrating his commitment to family and political matters.
Among these engagements was a closed-door meeting with Sunetra's sons and Ajit Pawar's sister, Vijaya Patil, on the Vidya Pratishthan campus. This was followed by a key family gathering at Sunetra's residence later in the day. Parth and Jay were also called to a meeting where they were briefed on the functioning of Vidya Pratishthan, an educational trust where Ajit Pawar served as a trustee. Sources revealed that there was a preliminary discussion on Ajit Pawar's proposed memorial, adding an emotional layer to the proceedings.
Background and Political Context
Sharad Pawar returned to Baramati from Mumbai on Tuesday after canceling his Delhi visit to participate in the budget session of Parliament. Reflecting on his absence, he noted, "Be it Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha or assembly, I was a member of these houses for 58 years. But, for the first time, I could not attend the Budget session due to the tragedy." This highlights the personal and political impact of Ajit Pawar's death, which has left a void in both the family and Maharashtra's political landscape.
The meetings in Baramati come at a critical juncture as suspense continues over the merger of the two NCP factions. The NCP (Sharad Pawar) chief's actions suggest a possible thaw in relations, with the family gathering serving as a platform for dialogue and potential reconciliation. As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on Baramati for further developments that could reshape Maharashtra's power dynamics.
