Amidst the backdrop of Maharashtra’s intense Assembly elections, a surprising reunion unfolded on Thursday as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met his estranged uncle, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, in Delhi. This marked their first meeting in over a year and took place on Sharad Pawar’s 84th birthday.
Ajit Pawar, accompanied by his wife and Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar, son Parth, and NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, and Praful Patel, visited Sharad Pawar at his Janpath residence. While the meeting stirred speculation of reconciliation, NCP (SP) leaders quickly dismissed the possibility of a political reunion.
Describing the visit, Ajit Pawar said, “It’s Saheb’s birthday, and tomorrow Kaki celebrates hers. I came to seek their blessings. We discussed issues like vandalism in Parbhani, the Cabinet expansion, and Parliament. Political discussions naturally take place.”
Sharad Pawar’s grandson, Yugendra Pawar, also in Delhi for the celebrations, expressed surprise at Ajit’s visit. “Our family has always kept politics and personal ties separate. Today’s meeting may be a step towards reuniting the family,” he remarked, adding that the family had avoided personal attacks during the elections.
The family dynamic has been fraught since the NCP’s split in July 2023. Ajit had notably skipped the traditional Diwali gathering at Sharad Pawar’s Govindbaug residence last year, instead celebrating with his family in Katewadi.
In recent elections, familial rivalry intensified. During the Lok Sabha polls, Ajit’s wife Sunetra contested against Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule but was defeated, entering Parliament through the Rajya Sabha.
+In the Assembly polls, Sharad Pawar fielded his grandnephew Yugendra against Ajit in Baramati, leading Ajit to accuse his uncle of fostering division.
Despite these tensions, Thursday’s meeting showcased a softer side, with Ajit extending birthday wishes to Sharad Pawar on social media and personally delivering his greetings.
Meanwhile, prominent political figures, including MPs from Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and both NCP factions, visited Sharad Pawar with bouquets, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly conveyed his wishes over the phone.
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