Last Updated:
Calls for NCP reunion in Maharashtra: NCP spokesperson Amol Mitkari suggested the uncle-nephew duo could reconcile if both made an effort
Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar (PTI Image)
Calls for NCP reunion in Maharashtra: With the Maharashtra assembly elections done and dusted almost a month ago, both Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s mother Asha Pawar have called for a reunion. Senior NCP leader Praful Patel said he’d be “extremely happy” if the Pawar family came together and called NCP founder Sharad Pawar their “deity”.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the Vithal-Rukmini temple in the temple town of Pandharpur, Ajit Pawar’s mother Ashatai said she prayed for the reunion of the family on New Year’s Day.
She said she wished that all of Ajit Pawar’s dreams came true and added that all disputes should end. “Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar should reunite,” she said.
While Ashatai’s wishes would come as difficult ones for some, she wasn’t the only one who vouched for the reunion less than a month after the Maharashtra election results favored Ajit over Sharad Pawar, under whose influence the nephew had long remained — and ultimately rebelled against.
What NCP Leaders Say
Praful Patel, a senior member of the NCP led by Ajit, said, “Sharad Pawar is our deity. We have a high degree of respect for him. If the Pawar family comes together, it will make us extremely happy. I consider myself a member of the Pawar family.”
NCP MLA Narhari Zirwal expressed that it felt strange to have left Sharad Pawar after the June 2023 split. “Many share the same sentiment. Now, I will approach him and encourage both him and Ajit to reunite. Pawar saheb has always worked tirelessly for people from all walks of life, and continues to do so.”
NCP Spokesperson Flags Roadbocks
NCP spokesperson Amol Mitkari suggested the uncle-nephew duo could reconcile if both made an effort, but pointed out that figures like Jitendra Awhad (Sharad Pawar’s key ally) and Rohit Pawar (Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew) might oppose it. “They won’t support a reunion, but Asha tai’s prayers are shared by every karyakarta in both NCP factions. We all hope for unity,” Mitkari added.
What Sharad Pawar’s Allies Say
When asked, Awhad said the decision was not his to make, and that it was up to the Pawars. “If Asha Pawar is advocating for unity, it’s a family matter for them to resolve. My opinion doesn’t matter,” he said.
BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated the BJP would have no objections if the two Pawars reunite, adding, “It’s their decision.”
Ajit Pawar had split from the NCP in June 2023, taking 40 MLAs with him and later aligning with the BJP and Shiv Sena to form the Mahayuti government.