Baramati witnessed a poignant family reunion tinged with sorrow as NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar offered tribute to his nephew Ajit Pawar, the former Deputy CM killed in a horrific plane crash on January 28. Trembling with emotion, Pawar made his way to Ajit’s portrait at the Sahyog Society residence, his gesture silencing the crowd of mourners.
Family and loyalists, including new Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, sons Parth and Jay, brother Srinivas, and nephew Rohit, shared the heavy atmosphere at the condolence gathering. Sharad Pawar engaged warmly with visitors, a stark contrast to the political buzz this first post-oath meeting with Sunetra generated.
The tragedy has cast a long shadow over Maharashtra politics. Tributes pour in from all quarters, with politicians and citizens converging on Baramati to stand with the Pawars. Post-Mumbai, Sharad dove into strategy sessions with family and institutional leaders, navigating grief and governance.
In media interactions, he dismissed queries on Sunetra’s rapid elevation, redirecting focus to pressing national issues. On merger talks floated by CM Fadnavis, Pawar was unequivocal: ‘Fadnavis wasn’t part of those conversations between Jayant Patil and Ajit; he has no locus standi to comment now, least of all when we’re mourning.’
As Baramati becomes a hub of solace and speculation, Sharad Pawar’s resolve underscores the enduring Pawar legacy amid personal loss and political intrigue.