Sharad Pawar Says He Was Kept Out Of Sunetra’s Elevation; Ajit Planned To Declare NCP Unity On February 12

Nationalist Congress Party founder Sharad Pawar on Saturday clarified that he was not involved in the decision to elevate Sunetra Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. Addressing the media in Baramati, he said the development came as a surprise to him and that he learnt about the swearing-in only through news reports.

He stated categorically that there had been no discussion with Sunetra Pawar on the matter and stressed that the decision was taken without his consultation.

Sharad Pawar also shed light on the status of negotiations aimed at reuniting the two NCP factions. According to him, discussions between Ajit Pawar and senior leader Jayant Patil had progressed positively and were nearing completion.

He said Ajit Pawar would formally announce the merger on February 12. Pawar also clarified that he supported the move but did not take part in the negotiations, which Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil led.

“It was Ajit Dada’s wish that both NCPs should come together, and it was our wish as well,” he remarked.

Talks Disrupted After Ajit Pawar’s Demise

Sharad Pawar said the sudden death of Ajit Pawar in an air crash has stalled the reunification process. He explained that although a clear roadmap had been in place and talks had continued for nearly four months, the absence of the leader who spearheaded the effort had created uncertainty.

He added that the way forward would now depend on leaders from both sides deciding how to carry the process forward.

Responding to queries about the possible induction of Sunetra Pawar or Rohit Pawar into the ministry, Sharad Pawar said, “The party (NCP) is theirs to run. Leaders like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare have the authority to make these decisions, and I will not comment on their internal choices. Our political paths are different. While the family stands together in grief, politics remains separate.”

Reflecting on Ajit Pawar’s legacy, Sharad Pawar described, “Ajit was a capable leader who maintained a deep dialogue with the common man. He had a profound understanding of the people’s issues and worked tirelessly to provide justice. His day would begin at dawn; had he been with us today, he wouldn’t be at home — he would be out on the field working.”

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