Mumbai: Asha-tai Pawar, mother of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, expressed her wish for reconciliation between her son and his uncle Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar. On Wednesday, after visiting the renowned Vitthal and Rukmini temple in Pandharpur, she shared her prayers for the resolution of differences within the Pawar family.
Speaking to reporters outside the temple, Asha-tai said, “I prayed for the grievances within our family to end and for Ajit and Sharad Pawar to reunite. I hope my prayers are heard.” Her comments come amidst reports suggesting potential efforts to reconcile the two factions of the NCP after the Maharashtra assembly elections.
Ajit Pawar’s faction emerges stronger
Ajit Pawar, once mentored by Sharad Pawar, split from his uncle’s leadership in July 2023 after decades of association. He formed his own faction of the NCP and allied with the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government in the state. After a legal tussle, Ajit Pawar’s group retained the NCP’s electoral symbol. In the recent state elections, his faction also performed better than the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).
Praful Patel calls Sharad Pawar a father figure
Responding to Asha-tai’s remarks, senior leader Praful Patel from Ajit Pawar’s camp acknowledged the familial bond they share with Sharad Pawar. “Sharad Pawar has always been like a father to us. We even visited him last month to wish him on his birthday, but it wasn’t a political meeting,” Patel said in Gadchiroli.
He further said, “While we have taken separate political paths, we continue to hold immense respect for Sharad Pawar. If the Pawar family reunites, it would bring us great happiness. I see myself as part of this family.” He added that such a reunion could be achieved without undermining anyone’s position.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Narhari Zirwal also spoke on the issue, saying he was too junior to comment on family matters but supported the idea of unity. “The division in the party has caused distress among workers who deeply respect Sharad Pawar. A reunion would be beneficial for all of us,” Zirwal said.
