There are also discussions about the possibility of a union between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray.
A mother’s prayer for unity
The latest development in this saga came from Ajit’s mother, Ashtabai, who has publicly expressed her wish for the reunion of her son and brother-in-law. As part of New Year prayers, Ashtabai visited the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur. Afterward, she told reporters, “I have wished that the differences within the Pawar family end as soon as possible. I hope Pandurang will definitely hear my prayers.”
Her plea for unity in the family comes at a time when NCP’s internal divisions have deeply impacted the party’s position in the state’s political scene. Other influential members of the Pawar family have echoed similar sentiments. On December 13, MLA Rohit Pawar’s mother, Sunanda Pawar, also called for Sharad and Ajit to put aside their differences.
A surprising gesture of reconciliation?
In a suprising gesture, Ajit Pawar, along with his family and senior NCP leaders, visited Sharad Pawar’s residence in New Delhi to wish him on his birthday on December 12. This marked the first personal meeting between the two since the split in 2023, triggering renewed speculation about the future of their relationship. Ajit’’ gesture was seen as a significant step towards mending ties.
Support from the NDA and political figures
The call for unity is also being supported from outside political circles. Praful Patel, the national working president of the NCP (Ajit faction), expressed support for the reunion, describing Sharad Pawar as a father figure to the party. “We went to wish him on his birthday, and we would like to maintain good relations with him. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, but if they come together again, we will be very happy,” Patel remarked.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale of the Republican Party of India (RPI) also supported the idea of a union between the two Pawars. Athawale pointed to Ashtabai’s prayers in Pandharpur and echoed her desire for the two to reconcile. He added, “The experience of a senior politician like Sharad Pawar will be valuable for the NDA government. He should leave the Congress, which did not make him the Prime Minister. Instead, he should join the NDA.”
The stakes for Maharashtra politics
The potential reunion of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar holds significant implications for Maharashtra’s political future. The Pawar family has been a dominant force in state politics for decades. Since the split within the NCP, Sharad Pawar’s political clout has waned, while Ajit Pawar’s alliance with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has reshaped the state’s political dynamics.
The political ramifications of a reunion between the two leaders could be profound. While Sharad Pawar remains a key figure in the All India Alliance, Ajit Pawar’s support for the NDA has created a complicated political situation. The coming months will determine whether the Pawar family can heal its rifts and how their potential unity will impact the state’s governance and party alignments.
As the Pawar family grapples with internal differences, the political observers watch closely, awaiting signs of reconciliation. Whether the duo can set aside their differences and reunite remains one of the most pressing questions in state politics today.
