Baramati: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar on Saturday said he was not informed about reports suggesting that Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, would be sworn in as the new deputy chief minister. The senior leader clarified that he learned about the development only through media coverage.
Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Sharad Pawar maintained a distance from the speculation surrounding the oath-taking ceremony. “I have no information about any swearing-in. Like everyone else, I came to know about it from the news,” he said when asked whether members of the Pawar family would attend the event.
He indicated that the decision, if taken, was likely made within the party organisation. Without naming any formal process, Pawar pointed out that certain senior leaders from the Ajit Pawar-led faction may have moved ahead independently. “Leaders such as Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare have been active. They may have taken a call,” he remarked.
Reflecting on recent political developments, Sharad Pawar also spoke about his late nephew Ajit Pawar’s desire to bring together the divided NCP factions. According to him, efforts toward reunification had already begun before Ajit Pawar’s untimely death. “It was his wish that both sides come together. Talks had started, and even a date was fixed for February 12,” he said, adding that the process was disrupted by the tragedy.
Sources within the NCP had earlier indicated that Sunetra Pawar, currently a Rajya Sabha member, was being considered to step into the role vacated by her husband following his death in the January 28 plane crash in Baramati. After the incident, a section of party leaders had publicly called for her inclusion in the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra cabinet as deputy chief minister.
As political circles await clarity, Sharad Pawar’s comments underline the continuing uncertainty within the party, even as discussions over leadership and unity remain in focus.
