New Delhi: The death of Ajit Pawar, the late Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who died in an aircraft crash while landing at the Baramati Airport, has a profound impact on the state’s political landscape. Following his death, reports emerged that there were talks of merging the two NCP factions. Now, Sharad Pawar has made a significant revelation on the matter himself.
Sharad Pawar reveals about ‘advanced’ talks
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar stated at a press conference on Saturday that discussions regarding the merger had taken place and were in an advanced stage before his nephew’s sudden death. The veteran leader added that the proposed merger was in line with Ajit Pawar’s own wishes.
Pawar said, “Now we feel his wish should be fulfilled. Ajit Pawar, Shashikant Shinde and Jayant Patil had initiated the talks about the merger of the two factions. Even though the merger date had been fixed, it was scheduled for February 12. Unfortunately, Ajit left us before that.”
Family stands united: Sharad Pawar
Meanwhile, in a decision that can have a rippling effect in Maharashtra politics, Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Ajit Pawar, has agreed to become the next Deputy CM, according to a report by TV9 Marathi. Notably, late Ajit Pawar’s political advisor Naresh Arora has met Sunetra Pawar and discussed the matter.
However, Sharad Pawar said that he did not know about her possible elevation, underlining that he was not consulted in the decision-making process. But he added, “Family stands united if an issue occurs in the family. There are no issues in the family.”
Sharad Pawar pays tribute to his nephew
Also, he paid heartfelt tribute to his nephew and said, “Ajit Pawar was a capable and committed leader who truly worked for the people. He would thoroughly understand public issues and always worked to ensure that people received justice.”
He added, “The situation that has arisen after his demise calls upon us to move forward with strength. We must work to reduce the suffering of the people and continue the approach and values with which he served. I firmly believe that the new generation of his family will certainly carry forward his legacy and way of working.”