GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 1st Jan. Asha-tai Pawar, mother of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, expressed her heartfelt wish for reconciliation between her son and his estranged uncle, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar.
During her visit to the Vitthal and Rukmini temple in Pandharpur on Wednesday, she told reporters, “I prayed that all grievances within the Pawar family should end and that Ajit and Sharad Pawar come together again. I hope my prayers will be granted.”
The comments come amid speculation that efforts to bridge the divide within the NCP might intensify post-Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Ajit Pawar, once Sharad Pawar’s closest political confidant, parted ways with his uncle in July 2023, splitting the NCP and aligning with the Shiv Sena-BJP government. The rift led to a legal battle over the party’s electoral symbol, which was ultimately awarded to Ajit’s faction. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP also performed better than Sharad Pawar’s faction in the recent elections.
Senior NCP leader Praful Patel responded to Asha-tai’s remarks, stating, “Sharad Pawar has always been like a father to us. We respect him greatly, and even met him recently to wish him on his birthday, although it was not a political meeting.” He added, “If the Pawar family reunites, it would bring happiness and not disrespect to anyone.”
Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal echoed similar sentiments, noting that a reunion would benefit party workers and help ease their distress over the split.
“We hold Sharad Pawar in great respect and wish for unity,” he said.
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