Pawar Family Expresses Displeasure Over Sunetra's Oath Ceremony Timing
Sources intimately connected with the Pawar family have disclosed to Times of India that relatives felt deeply wounded by not being notified or invited to Sunetra Pawar's oath-taking ceremony in Mumbai last Saturday. This significant political event unfolded while the family was still mourning the recent passing of Ajit Pawar, creating an atmosphere of tension and disappointment.
Family Gathering Overshadowed by Political Move
Following the immersion of the late leader's ashes, family members had planned to convene informally at 'Govindbaug', Sharad Pawar's Baramati residence. However, sources confirmed that no representatives from Ajit Pawar's immediate family attended this gathering. When inquiries were made, a member of Sunetra Pawar's family explained that she and one of her sons had already departed for Mumbai to participate in the oath ceremony.
A close associate of the Pawar family elaborated, "The deputy chief minister's position is not constitutionally mandated, making the timing particularly insensitive. Had they demonstrated basic courtesy by waiting until the twelfth or thirteenth day of mourning before proceeding with political maneuvers, the other faction would not have felt so disregarded."
Concerns Over Political Strategy and Family Unity
The family now perceives that Sunetra Pawar may have walked into a BJP trap by accepting the proposal without prior consultation. This development has sparked concerns about political strategy and family cohesion during a period of personal loss.
Although Sunetra Pawar remained unavailable for comment, Narhari Zirwal, a cabinet minister and close associate of Ajit Pawar, publicly advocated for her inclusion in the state cabinet as deputy chief minister. Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Zirwal emphasized, "While Sunetra vahini should serve as deputy chief minister, Pawar Saheb can act as a guardian to facilitate the merger of both NCP groups."
Condolence Visits and Merger Discussions
On Friday, numerous dignitaries visited the residences of both Sunetra Pawar and Sharad Pawar in Baramati to offer condolences. Former vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar and former Congress chief minister Prithviraj Chavan met with the families separately after the ashes immersion ceremony.
Earlier in the week, Jayant Patil, former state president of NCP (SP), revealed that multiple meetings had occurred with the late NCP chief regarding a potential merger, with decisions pending until after zilla parishad elections. "The two NCP factions are nearly reunited," Zirwal added. "They collaborated during civic body polls, making the merger essentially a formality. Ajitdada desired this outcome, and now Pawar Saheb should lead the effort to realize his unfinished vision."
Family Decision Awaited on NCP Reunification
Members of NCP (SP) have stressed that any reunion decision should originate from the Pawar family itself. Shashikant Shinde, state president, noted, "Discussions were in their final stages before tragedy struck. We believe the Pawar family should collectively deliberate and decide on the merger. Their decision will command our utmost respect."
Rajesh Tope, NCP (SP) leader and former state minister, echoed this sentiment, telling PTI, "This reflects public sentiment... senior leaders and Pawar family members will ultimately determine the course of action." Speaking from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Tope highlighted the mutual benefits of a merger, recalling Ajit Pawar's frequent expressions of desire for party unity.
