Sharad Pawar Voices Support for Sunetra Pawar's Deputy CM Appointment
In a significant political development from Maharashtra, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday publicly expressed his contentment regarding Sunetra Pawar securing the position of deputy chief minister within the NCP. This appointment follows the tragic demise of his nephew, Ajit Pawar, in a recent plane crash that has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape.
Pawar's Return to Baramati and Absence from Parliament
The veteran politician returned to his stronghold of Baramati from Mumbai after canceling his scheduled visit to Delhi, where he was supposed to participate in the ongoing Parliament session. Addressing the media in Baramati, Pawar reflected on his extensive parliamentary career, stating, "Be it the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, or the Assembly, I have been a member of these houses for 58 years, but for the first time, I could not attend the budget session due to the tragedy of Ajit Pawar’s death." This marked a poignant moment for the seasoned leader, highlighting the personal impact of the family loss.
On Sunetra Pawar's Oath-Taking and Merger Criticism
While Sharad Pawar chose not to comment directly on the decision by NCP working president Praful Patel and state chief Sunil Tatkare to conduct Sunetra Pawar's oath-taking ceremony merely three days after Ajit Pawar's passing, he emphasized, "I am happy that she got the opportunity." This statement underscores his support for her new role amidst the family's grief.
Furthermore, Pawar launched a pointed criticism at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his remarks concerning the merger of both NCP factions. He asserted, "He was not involved in the merger discussions, and therefore, I do not think he has any right to speak on the matter." Pawar clarified that the merger talks were primarily held between Ajit Pawar and former state chief of NCP (SP) Jayant Patil, distancing Fadnavis from the core negotiations.
Family Focus and Dismissal of Foul Play Speculations
In the wake of Ajit Pawar's untimely death, Sharad Pawar revealed that the family's current priority is mutual support during this challenging period. He stated, "Currently, our family’s focus is on supporting each other during this tough time. We are not discussing politics at the moment." This highlights the personal dimension overshadowing political maneuvers in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Additionally, the NCP (SP) chief firmly dismissed any suspicions of foul play in the plane crash that claimed Ajit Pawar's life, aiming to quell rumors and provide clarity on the incident. His remarks serve to address public concerns while maintaining a stance of transparency regarding the circumstances of the crash.
This series of statements from Sharad Pawar not only sheds light on the internal dynamics within the NCP but also sets the stage for potential political realignments in Maharashtra, as key figures navigate leadership roles and merger discussions in a period marked by personal loss and public scrutiny.
