Ajit Pawar’s Mother Ashatai Expresses Hope for Family Reconciliation After Pandharpur Prayers

Mumbai, 2nd January 2025: Nearly a month after the conclusion of the Maharashtra assembly elections, Ashatai Pawar, mother of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, expressed her desire for a reunion between her son and his uncle, Sharad Pawar, leader of the NCP (SP).

Ashatai Pawar voiced her sentiments during a visit to the temple town of Pandharpur. Speaking to reporters outside the Vitthal-Rukmini temple, she shared her wish for the family rift to be resolved, saying, “I prayed for the differences within the Pawar family to end soon. I hope Pandurang answers my prayers.”

The possibility of reconciliation gained attention when Ajit Pawar, accompanied by family members and senior NCP leaders, visited Sharad Pawar’s residence in Delhi on December 12 to celebrate his birthday. This marked the first meeting between the two since their political split.

Describing Sharad Pawar as “our deity,” NCP Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel emphasized the respect party members have for him. Patel stated, “If the Pawar family reunites, it will bring immense joy. I consider myself part of the Pawar family.”

Senior NCP leader Narhari Zirwal also expressed a longing for unity, admitting that the split in June 2023 felt unsettling. He pledged to urge both Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar to reconcile, highlighting Sharad Pawar’s tireless work for various sections of society.

NCP spokesperson Amol Mitkari suggested that a reunion is possible if both leaders make an effort but hinted that figures like Jitendra Awhad and Rohit Pawar might act as obstacles. “Asha tai’s prayers reflect the wishes of every karyakarta in both NCP factions,” he said.

In response, Awhad commented that the decision ultimately rests with the Pawar family.

State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that his party would not oppose a reunion, noting, “They decide to make, and we have no objections.”

In the recent assembly elections, Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) faced its worst-ever performance, securing only 10 out of 288 seats. Conversely, Ajit Pawar’s faction emerged as the third-largest party in the state, winning 41 of the 59 seats it contested.