2 days ago
Last Updated:January 04, 2025, 15:49 IST
The convergence of these developments—the Pawar family’s potential reconciliation and the unexpected praise for Devendra Fadnavis—points to a period of significant transition in Maharashtra politics
Maharashtra’s political landscape is in flux, with alliances shifting rapidly. (File image: PTI)
The Pawar family, which includes Sharad Pawar, his daughter Supriya Sule, and his nephew Ajit Pawar, has often faced scrutiny for internal differences. Ajit’s defection to the BJP-led coalition shocked the political fraternity and seemingly created a rift within the family. However, in recent weeks, signs of a thaw in relations have emerged, prompting speculation about the possibility of a reunion. First, it was Sunanda Pawar, mother of Rohit Pawar (Sharad Pawar’s grandson), who expressed that the Pawar family should reunite politically too, and that is the sentiment on the ground among party workers. Recently, Ajit Pawar’s mother, Asha Tai Pawar, also expressed the same feelings while speaking with reporters in Pandharpur: “I prayed that all the grievances within the Pawar family should end, and Ajit and Sharad Pawar come together again. I hope my prayers will be granted."
The Pawar family has historically presented a united front, with Sharad Pawar steering the ist Congress Party (NCP) as one of its founding members and its most prominent leader. Supriya Sule, widely regarded as her father’s political heir, has been a key figure in shaping the party’s image as a progressive yet grounded force in Maharashtra politics and national politics. On the other hand, Ajit Pawar has cultivated an image as a grassroots leader with strong administrative acumen, earning him significant support in western Maharashtra and a strong hold on state politics.
After the split in the party, Ajit Pawar and a faction of NCP MLAs joined the BJP-led government, creating a public schism in the family. Sharad Pawar criticised his nephew’s decision, while Supriya Sule maintained a diplomatic stance, expressing disappointment but refraining from harsh criticism. However, recent public appearances and comments by family members of Pawar have hinted at a reconciliation. Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar were seen together at family functions and political events, sharing moments of camaraderie that seemed to transcend their political differences.
The rapprochement raises questions about whether it is driven by personal reconciliation or political strategy. Maharashtra’s political landscape is in flux, with alliances shifting rapidly. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance—comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP SP (Sharadchandra Pawar), and Congress—faces significant challenges, including internal differences and pressure from the BJP-Shinde coalition. A united Pawar family could bolster the Sharad Pawar-led NCP SP’s position within national and state politics. Reconciliation could help repair the party’s image among its traditional voter base, which has been disoriented by the split, which was seen during the state assembly polls, as Ajit scored better than the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).
On the other hand, Ajit Pawar’s position within the BJP-led government raises questions about how a rapprochement would manifest politically. While it is unlikely that Ajit would leave the government, a personal reunion could pave the way for a more coordinated approach to governance and election strategy.
Adding to the intrigue is Supriya Sule’s recent praise for chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, particularly for his efforts in addressing challenges in Gadchiroli, a Naxal-affected district in Maharashtra. During a public event, Sule commended Fadnavis for his focus on development and security in the region, calling his work “commendable and much needed".
Her remarks have sparked speculation about a potential softening of ties between the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction and the BJP. Sule’s comments align with similar praise from Saamana, the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s mouthpiece, which lauded Fadnavis for his “visionary leadership" in Gadchiroli. Such positive remarks from political adversaries are rare and have led to discussions about whether they signal a broader shift in Maharashtra’s political equations.
Gadchiroli has long been a challenging region for successive governments due to its socio-economic backwardness and persistent Naxal activity. Over the years, the district has seen significant investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents and curbing Naxal influence. Fadnavis’s efforts, particularly during his previous tenure as chief minister and now in the current government, have focused on creating employment opportunities, building roads, and strengthening law enforcement. These initiatives have been praised not only by his allies but also by opposition leaders like Sule, who acknowledged the tangible progress in the region.
Saamana’s editorial on the subject further underscores the significance of the Gadchiroli narrative. The newspaper, often critical of the BJP, highlighted the importance of recognising good governance, regardless of political affiliations. This unusual praise has raised eyebrows, with some interpreting it as a strategic move to appeal to a broader voter base.
The praise for Fadnavis has created ripples within the MVA alliance, which has struggled to maintain a cohesive narrative against the BJP-Shinde government. Critics within the alliance argue that such remarks weaken their collective opposition, while others see them as an attempt to project a more balanced image. For Supriya Sule, the praise for Fadnavis could be a calculated move to position herself as a pragmatic leader willing to acknowledge good work, even from political opponents. This approach could resonate with voters who prioritise development over partisan politics.
The convergence of these developments—the Pawar family’s potential reconciliation and the unexpected praise for Fadnavis—points to a period of significant transition in Maharashtra politics. While it is too early to predict the long-term implications, these events highlight the fluidity of political alignments in the state.
As Maharashtra gears up for a series of crucial local body elections, the dynamics within the Pawar family and the broader political landscape will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of both factions of the NCP at grassroots levels. The potential rapprochement within the Pawar family could strengthen the NCP, while the praise for Fadnavis signals a shift towards a more development-oriented political discourse.
In this evolving scenario, one thing is clear: Maharashtra’s political landscape is transforming, driven by both personal equations and strategic considerations. As the state’s leaders navigate these changes, the coming months are likely to witness shifting narratives and intensified political manoeuvring. For the voters, this period promises a mix of intrigue, speculation, and, hopefully, tangible progress.
Location : First Published:January 04, 2025, 15:49 IST
News politics Rapprochement Rumours And Gadchiroli Praise Shake Maharashtra’s Political Scene
