Sharad and Ajit Pawar’s Secret Meetings Spark Reunion Buzz: Will Uncle and Nephew Reconcile?
As the political pot boils in Maharashtra ahead of key civic elections, another potential power twist is grabbing attention—this time involving the Nationalist Congress Party’s most-watched family duo: Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar. After months of visible distance and divergent political paths, the two leaders were spotted attending back-to-back meetings, including a private sit-down, reigniting speculation of a possible reconciliation.
Quiet Moves at the Sugar Complex
The latest political chatter stems from a series of significant meetings held on Monday, April 21, at the Sugar Complex in Pune. The occasion? An official review of the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI)—a prestigious body closely linked to Maharashtra’s cooperative and sugar sector. Both Sharad Pawar, president of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction), and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were present at different parts of the day’s schedule.
Initially, discussions were centered around incorporating AI technology in agriculture, a topic Pawar Sr. has consistently pushed forward in recent months. This was followed by administrative deliberations concerning VSI’s day-to-day operations, attended by senior officials.
However, what caught everyone's attention wasn’t the official agenda—it was the off-the-record, closed-door meeting between Sharad and Ajit that followed soon after. Sources say the two engaged in a lengthy conversation, away from cameras and party workers, prompting murmurs across party lines.
A Softening of Stances?
Just a few months ago, Ajit Pawar had been noticeably absent from events where his uncle was present. Since splitting the Nationalist Congress Party in July 2023 to join hands with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, Ajitdada has kept political and physical distance from Sharad Pawar’s camp.
But something appears to be shifting. In recent days, Ajit has attended multiple events where Sharad Pawar was also present—including the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha meeting in Satara, where both shared the stage. And in a public address not long ago, Ajit even remarked, “You must always take your uncle’s blessings.” A line that sounded more than just ceremonial.
Pawar Family Politics: A Complex Legacy
The Sharad-Ajit split last year sent shockwaves through Maharashtra politics. Ajit’s move was seen as both a rebellion and a calculated alignment with the BJP for greater power and administrative clout. Sharad Pawar, known for his political acumen and staying power, responded with calm defiance—rebuilding his faction and touring the state to connect with grassroots workers.
Still, despite their political divergence, family dynamics have never been far from the equation. The Pawar family controls a significant chunk of Maharashtra’s cooperative institutions, education trusts, and agriculture-related bodies. Cooperation, even if symbolic, holds weight in such a backdrop.
Thackeray Reunions and Political Timing
Interestingly, the buzz around a Pawar reunion comes at the same time as talk of a Thackeray cousins’ reconciliation between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. That potential alliance—once unthinkable—is being floated ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.
Political observers believe that a united opposition front in Maharashtra, involving Sena (UBT), Congress, and factions of NCP, would be strategically positioned to challenge the BJP-Shinde-Ajit alliance. If Ajit were to return—or even extend an olive branch—it could change the game dramatically.
What’s Next?
So, will uncle and nephew reunite politically? No official word yet. But if body language, recent public gestures, and quiet meetings are anything to go by, the ice is clearly melting.
Whether this leads to a full-fledged political realignment—or just a strategic softening of relations for now—remains to be seen. One thing’s certain: Maharashtra politics is heating up, and the Pawars are back at the center of it.
