In a deeply moving moment that gripped Maharashtra’s political circles, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday paid heartfelt tribute to his nephew, the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who tragically perished in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. Arriving from Govind Bagh, Pawar appeared visibly shaken, his steps unsteady as security personnel supported him to the portrait of the departed leader, where he bowed in silent reverence.
The scene at Ajit Pawar’s residence in Sahyog Society unfolded with raw emotion. Family members including Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, Parth Pawar, Jay Pawar, Srinivas Pawar, and Rohit Pawar, along with close relatives, stood by as supporters and citizens gathered to mourn. Sharad Pawar spent time with the grieving family during the condolence meeting, greeting attendees and party workers who had come to pay their respects.
This encounter held special significance as it marked the first meeting between Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar since she assumed the Deputy Chief Minister’s role following Ajit’s untimely death. While largely private, it sparked intense speculation in political corridors about the future dynamics within the Pawar family and NCP factions.
Maharashtra remains shrouded in grief over Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise. Leaders from across parties, supporters, and common folk have flocked to Baramati over the past two days to console the family. Sharad Pawar, returning from Mumbai, held key meetings with Parth Pawar, Jay Pawar, Vijaya Patil, and trustees of Vidya Pratishthan.
Addressing the media amid swirling rumors, Pawar sidestepped questions on Sunetra Pawar’s swift oath-taking, emphasizing national priorities like security and India-China border tensions. He sharply rebuked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ comments on a potential NCP merger, clarifying that discussions involved only Jayant Patil and Ajit Pawar, not Fadnavis, especially during the family’s hour of tragedy.