At the annual general meeting of the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) in Pune, veteran NCP (SP) politician Sharad Pawar was spotted with his nephew Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra [1]. Rumours of a potential reconciliation following a period of difficult familial and political relations have been sparked by the two leaders’ public appearances together for the second time in a week [1].
Pune Meeting Specifics
The two Pawars attended the annual general meeting of the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), a well-known research organisation in the sugar sector [3][5]. Ajit Pawar is a trustee of VSI, while Sharad Pawar is its chairman [2]. Ajit Pawar attended the gathering for the first time since the July 2023 split of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)[3][9].
Ajit Pawar first asked for a change in the seating arrangement during the meeting, putting Maharashtra Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil between Sharad Pawar and himself [3][4][5]. Babasaheb Patil wanted to talk to Sharad Pawar and had just been appointed Cooperation Minister, so Ajit Pawar said that he made him seat in the centre out of respect [4][5]. Both leaders made reference to one another in their statements, regardless of the seating arrangement [4][5].
Indoor Meeting
Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar met behind closed doors in Sharad Pawar’s cabin for approximately 30 minutes before to the general meeting [2][7]. Sharad Pawar claims that no party-related topics were mentioned during the talks, which were focused on a project for the sugar business [3]. The meeting, according to Ajit Pawar, addressed topics pertaining to VSI and the sugar business, including contacts with state government agencies including energy, agriculture, excise, and cooperation [7][9].
Reactions and Dynamics in Families
Since the division within the NCP, there has been tension in the Pawar family’s relationship [1]. Supriya Sule, the daughter of Sharad Pawar, and Sunetra Pawar, the wife of Ajit Pawar, were seated next to one other at the occasion, although they merely exchanged courteous smiles [1]. Ajit Pawar and his uncle had previously shunned public appearances, particularly during election campaigns [1]. Reconciliation has occurred after Ajit Pawar was appointed Deputy Chief Minister. For example, in December, he and his family went to Sharad Pawar’s home in Delhi to wish him a happy birthday[1].
According to Rohit Pawar, Sharad Pawar’s grandson, one of the NCP factions would have to abandon its philosophy in order to have a family reunion [2]. Asha Kaki, the mother of Ajit Pawar, has also stated that she wants the family to get back together [6].
Reunification Speculation
Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar’s combined appearance has stoked rumours of a possible NCP faction reunion[4]. The BJP would not object to Sharad and Ajit Pawar getting back together, according to BJP head Chandrashekhar Bawankule [4]. Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, however, have not yet addressed these reports [4].
