Asha-tai Pawar Prays for Ajit-Sharad Pawar Reunion Amid NCP Rift

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's mother, Asha-tai Pawar, expressed her hope on Wednesday for a reconciliation between her son and his estranged uncle, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar.

After visiting the Vitthal and Rukmini temple in Pandharpur, Asha-tai told reporters, "I prayed that all grievances within the Pawar family should end, and Ajit and Sharad Pawar come together again. I hope my prayers will be granted."

Her comments come amidst speculation about efforts to reconcile the two factions of the NCP following the Maharashtra assembly elections.

Ajit Pawar, once considered Sharad Pawar’s political protege, parted ways with his uncle in July 2023 after more than three decades, joining the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. He later secured the NCP’s electoral symbol in a legal battle and led his faction to outperform the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) in the recent elections.

Reacting to Asha-tai’s remarks, senior Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Praful Patel said, “Sharad Pawar has always been like a father to us. We even met him last month to wish him a happy birthday, but it was not a political meeting. Although we have taken a different political stand, we have immense respect for him."

Patel further added, "If the Pawar family reunites, it would bring us great happiness. I consider myself a part of the Pawar family. A reunion would not disrespect anyone involved."

Meanwhile, sources said, that some MPs and MLAs from Sharad Pawar's faction are wanted a merger of both NCP.

Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Narhari Zirwal refrained from commenting directly, stating, "I am too junior to speak on such matters, but a reunion would greatly benefit party workers like me."

The remarks have fueled speculation about a possible reconciliation, though no official discussions between the two factions have been confirmed.​