Sharad Pawar downplays meetings with nephew, calls discussions normal

Pune

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday downplayed rumors about a potential political reunion with his nephew, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, following their recent meetings. He stated that there was nothing wrong in discussing issues concerning the public with representatives of the state government. Baramati, Pawar expressed concerns about the ongoing water scarcity in the state and emphasized the need for careful water usage in the coming months.

Pawar had met with Ajit Pawar three times in the past fortnight. Speculation about a possible political reconciliation grew after the two shared a stage on Monday to discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture and the sugar industry in Pune. Sharad Pawar clarified that the meeting was centered on AI in sugar production, a sector where they have worked to increase sugarcane output for years.

Pawar dismissed rumors about a possible reconciliation between cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, calling it a family matter he had no information about.

During a meeting in Baramati, Pawar was accompanied by his nephew’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, and grandnephew, Yugendra Pawar, who was seen seeking blessings from Sunetra on his birthday. Despite political differences, Yugendra expressed his respect and affection for his uncle and aunt.

Relations between Sharad and Ajit Pawar had soured after Ajit orchestrated a split in NCP in July 2023, joining the Mahayuti government.