Members of the extended Pawar family are reportedly upset after NCP leader Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, left for Mumbai to take oath as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister without informing senior family members, including Sharad Pawar.
The incident comes just days after the tragic death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati, leaving the family and party members grieving and seeking clarity on the future of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Tensions Rise Over Timing and Consultation
Sunetra Pawar’s Move Surprises Family
According to sources close to the family, neither Sharad Pawar nor other senior Pawar members were consulted before Sunetra accepted the deputy chief minister post. The decision reportedly upset several family members, who felt sidelined in a significant political and family matter.
A family associate revealed that when one of them called Sunetra’s household to discuss the oath-taking, they were told that she and one of her sons had already left for Mumbai. This lack of communication added to the frustration among the late Ajit Pawar’s relatives.
Mourning vs. Political Moves
Family sources pointed out that the deputy chief minister’s position is not a constitutional post and that there was no urgent need to hold the oath-taking ceremony on the fourth day after Ajit Pawar’s death. Many in the family felt that waiting until the 12th or 13th day of mourning would have shown proper respect and avoided feelings of being slighted.
Some sources suggested that by accepting the post quickly, Sunetra may have inadvertently stepped into a political trap orchestrated by the BJP.
Efforts to Keep NCP Unity Intact
Calls for Sharad Pawar’s Leadership
Despite the tension, some party members have urged Sharad Pawar to guide both factions toward unification. Narhari Zirwal, cabinet minister and close associate of the late deputy CM, said that while Sunetra should be part of the state cabinet, Sharad Pawar can act as a guardian to ensure the merger of the two NCP groups.
He emphasized that Ajit Pawar had been actively working on uniting the two factions before his untimely death. “The two NCPs are almost reunited. They came together for civic body polls, and the merger was only a formality. Ajitdada wanted it to happen, and now Pawar Saheb should fulfil his unfinished dream,” Zirwal said.
Family and Party Discussions
A meeting of the extended family was scheduled in Baramati late Friday to deliberate on the possible merger of the two NCP factions. Party leaders say that any final decision on the merger should come from the Pawar family, and NCP (SP) members have promised to respect their choice.
Shashikant Shinde, state president of NCP (SP), said, “Discussions were in the final stage when the tragedy struck. Now, we feel the Pawar family should sit together and make a decision on the merger. We will respect their decision.”
Condolences and Political Visits
Following the tragedy and Sunetra Pawar’s political move, several prominent personalities visited the families of Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar in Baramati to offer condolences.
Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and former Congress Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan were among those who visited the residences after returning from immersing Ajit Pawar’s ashes in a river.
Ajit Pawar’s Vision for the NCP
Uniting the Party
Before his death, Ajit Pawar was actively pressing for the merger of the two NCP factions. Former state president Jayant Patil revealed that he had multiple meetings with Ajit Pawar to discuss the unification, with a formal decision planned after local elections.
Ajit Pawar’s vision was to bring the factions together permanently, following the successful alliance during civic body polls. His untimely passing has left a void in leadership, making the role of senior family members and party leaders crucial in deciding the party’s future.
A Delicate Balance
The current situation highlights the tension between political priorities and family protocols. While party members want continuity and stability, family members are concerned about respect, timing, and the proper handling of Ajit Pawar’s legacy.
Many in the Pawar family feel that political moves made so soon after Ajit Pawar’s death could have been delayed, respecting mourning rituals and ensuring inclusive consultations.
What Lies Ahead
The coming days are likely to be crucial for the NCP. Key developments include:
- Family Meeting: The extended Pawar family will meet in Baramati to discuss the merger and political strategy.
- Guidance from Sharad Pawar: As the senior leader, Sharad Pawar is expected to play a central role in bridging differences between the factions.
- Political Stability: Ensuring unity within NCP is critical, especially after recent electoral contests and the BJP’s growing influence in Maharashtra.
- Sunetra Pawar’s Role: Her position as deputy chief minister adds a political dimension that needs careful handling to maintain both party unity and family harmony.
Analysts say that the NCP’s future in Maharashtra will depend on how well the senior Pawar family members navigate the delicate balance between grief, politics, and leadership responsibilities.
