The political landscape in Maharashtra is abuzz with talks of reconciliation within the Pawar family, following recent calls from both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for unity.
The sentiment gained prominence after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s mother, Asha Pawar, visited the Vithal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur on New Year’s Day, praying for an end to disputes between her son and his uncle, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar.
Asha expressed her desire for the two leaders to reunite, emphasising her hope for harmony within the family and the party.
This sentiment of reunion resonates beyond the Pawar household. Senior leader Praful Patel, aligned with Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, described Sharad Pawar as their "deity" and expressed respect for him.
Patel stated that a reunion would bring immense joy to the party and its members, highlighting the significance of familial unity for the broader political framework of the NCP.
Adding to the momentum, NCP MLA Narhari Zirwal shared his discomfort over the split, describing Sharad Pawar as a relentless worker for the people.
Zirwal indicated his intention to urge both Ajit and Sharad to reconcile, reflecting a growing sentiment among party members to mend the divide.
However, the road to reconciliation is not without its hurdles. NCP spokesperson Amol Mitkari noted that while unity is desired by many, certain leaders within Sharad Pawar’s camp, such as Jitendra Awhad and Rohit Pawar, might oppose the idea.
Mitkari argued that these internal dynamics could complicate efforts for a reunion, despite the widespread support for Asha Pawar’s prayers among party workers from both factions.
Jitendra Awhad, a close aide of Sharad Pawar, refrained from commenting on the possibility of a reunion, calling it a family matter that should be resolved by the Pawars themselves.
His statement reflects the complexities of reconciling political and familial differences, which have deepened since Ajit Pawar’s split from the NCP in June 2023.
Ajit Pawar’s decision to part ways with his uncle and align with the BJP and Shiv Sena marked a turning point for the NCP. His move, which brought 40 MLAs into the Mahayuti coalition government, created a significant rift within the party.
Despite this, the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections demonstrated a mixed outcome for the factions. Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) struggled, securing only 10 seats out of 86 contested, while Ajit Pawar’s faction performed better, winning 29 seats, including the crucial Pawar family stronghold of Baramati.
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