Sunetra Pawar's Sudden Oath-Taking Creates Tension Within Pawar Family
In a development that has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political circles, Sunetra Pawar, the wife of late Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar, has reportedly caused significant discontent within the extended Pawar family. The controversy stems from her decision to travel to Mumbai and take the oath as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra without prior consultation with senior family members, including NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar.
Family Meeting Planned Before Political Move
According to sources close to the family, a crucial meeting of the extended Pawar family was scheduled for late Friday in Baramati. This gathering was intended to be held in the presence of Sharad Pawar to deliberate on the possible merger of the two NCP factions. The late Ajit Pawar had been actively pushing for this unification before his tragic demise in a plane crash in Baramati.
Family insiders revealed that neither Sharad Pawar nor any other senior members were consulted by Sunetra Pawar when she accepted the deputy chief minister's position in the state cabinet. This lack of communication has reportedly left many family members feeling hurt and slighted.
Oath-Taking Ceremony Adds to the Discontent
Sources with intimate knowledge of the Pawar family dynamics told TOI that relatives were particularly upset that none of them were informed about or invited to Saturday's oath-taking ceremony in Mumbai. Following the immersion of Ajit Pawar's ashes, family members had planned to convene at 'Govindbaug', Sharad Pawar's residence in Baramati, for an informal meeting. However, sources confirmed that no one from Ajit Pawar's immediate family attended this gathering.
"When one of them called up, a member of Sunetra Pawar's family said that she and one of her sons had already left for Mumbai to attend the oath-taking ceremony," a close associate of the Pawar family disclosed to TOI.
Timing of Political Move Questioned
The sources further elaborated on the family's perspective, stating, "The deputy chief minister's post is not a constitutional one, and therefore, there was no urgent need to arrange the oath-taking function on the fourth day after Ajit Pawar's passing. Had they shown the courtesy of waiting until the 12th or 13th day of mourning before making their political move, the other group would not have felt so slighted."
There is a growing sentiment within the Pawar family that by accepting the proposal without proper consultation, Sunetra Pawar may have walked into a BJP trap, potentially complicating the delicate merger negotiations between the NCP factions.
Political Figures Weigh In on the Situation
Though Sunetra Pawar did not respond to calls from reporters, earlier on Friday, Narhari Zirwal, a cabinet minister and close associate of the late Ajit Pawar, publicly urged Sharad Pawar to take the lead in guiding both groups toward unification. Zirwal, who was among those advocating for Sunetra Pawar as deputy chief minister, interacted with reporters in Baramati.
He stated, "While Sunetra vahini should be part of the state cabinet as deputy chief minister, Pawar Saheb can play the role of a guardian and ensure the merger of both groups."
Condolences and Political Maneuvering
On Friday, several prominent personalities visited the residences of both Sunetra Pawar and Sharad Pawar in Baramati to offer their condolences. Former vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar and former Congress chief minister Prithviraj Chavan met with the families separately after they returned home from immersing Ajit Pawar's ashes in a river.
The political context of this family rift is significant. On Wednesday, former state president of NCP (SP) Jayant Patil revealed that he had held several rounds of meetings with the late NCP chief to discuss the merger. A decision was anticipated after the zilla parishad elections, where the two factions had allied, similar to their cooperation during the municipal corporation polls.
Zirwal added, "The two NCPs are almost reunited. They came together for the civic body polls, and the merger was only a formality. Ajitdada wanted it to happen, but now Pawar Saheb should take the lead and fulfil his unfinished dream."
Call for Family-Led Decision Making
Members of NCP (SP) have emphasized that any decision regarding reunion should be taken by the Pawar family itself. Its state president, Shashikant Shinde, commented, "Discussions were in the final stage when tragedy struck. Now, we feel that the Pawar family should sit together and make a decision on the merger. We will respect their decision."
This unfolding situation highlights the intricate interplay between family dynamics and political strategy within one of Maharashtra's most influential political families. The swift political ascent of Sunetra Pawar, while marking a significant personal milestone, has inadvertently created rifts that could impact the future unity and direction of the NCP.
