Maharashtra politics took a family twist in Baramati when Sharad Pawar, the NCP-SP supremo, expressed complete ignorance over Sunetra Pawar’s reported swearing-in as Deputy Chief Minister. The January 31 press interaction shed light on fractured party lines and resilient family ties.
Dismissing any personal involvement, Pawar pointed to the other NCP faction’s autonomy. ‘The party leadership, including figures like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, must have decided this. I’m not in that loop,’ he told journalists succinctly.
On Sunetra’s nomination, the senior Pawar was unequivocal. ‘It’s their internal affair to manage. Politics has split our paths, yet grief binds the family,’ he observed, navigating the delicate balance between public roles and private loyalties.
Reassuring on familial harmony, Pawar stated, ‘Trouble brings families closer. No rifts exist among the Pawars.’ He also confirmed no awareness of the ceremony details, relying solely on news updates.
Delving into NCP reunification, Pawar revealed advanced-stage talks led by Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil. ‘Reunion was imminent, with an official reveal planned for February 12 by the Deputy CM himself. It was Ajit’s strong desire, shared by us all,’ he recounted.
Sharad Pawar clarified his hands-off approach during negotiations. The aviation tragedy abruptly halted progress, leaving the onus on surviving leaders. ‘What happens next is for them to decide,’ he concluded.
This episode underscores the Pawar dynasty’s enduring influence in Maharashtra, where personal tragedies fuel political narratives and potential realignments loom large on the horizon.