Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar has finally spoken out about the much-discussed “secret” meeting he had with his nephew, Ajit Pawar. This meeting gained significant attention as it occurred against the backdrop of Ajit Pawar’s decision to split from the NCP and join the Shiv Sena-BJP government led by Eknath Shinde. Addressing the media in a press conference, Sharad Pawar clarified that the meeting was, in fact, a family gathering.
The meeting took place on August 12 at the residence of businessman Atul Chordiya in the Koregaon Park area. This event sparked widespread speculations, with many wondering about the possible implications of the meeting for the political landscape, especially amid rumors that Sharad Pawar might be offered a position in the Union Cabinet within the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Sharad Pawar addressed the situation by stating, “It was a family meeting with Ajit Pawar. I did not go to the media talking about the meeting.” This statement provides clarity while putting to rest the swirl of rumors that had surrounded the gathering.
Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, also weighed in on the matter. She mentioned that the Pawar and Chordiya families have had a longstanding association, dating back to before the birth of her uncle, Ajit Pawar. The families’ connection traces back to the time when Atul Chordiya’s father and Sharad Pawar were college peers. This context, she emphasized, makes it less surprising for both families to meet.
In addition to discussing the family meeting, Sharad Pawar took the opportunity to address the situation in Manipur while critiquing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach. He expressed concerns about the state’s predicament and stated that he had hoped the Prime Minister would visit the northeast to build confidence among the people there. However, he lamented that such a move did not seem to be a priority for the Prime Minister.
Sharad Pawar also turned his focus to the political landscape, remarking on the role of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies in maintaining unity within society. He criticized them for allegedly creating divisions among people despite their responsibility to foster unity.
In sum, Sharad Pawar’s addressing of the “secret” meeting and his comments on the political situation underscore the complex dynamics at play within his party and the broader political context, all while dispelling some of the speculations that had arisen.