Pune: NCP Reunion? Sharad Pawar And Ajit Pawar’s Frequent Meets Stir Political Pot

Pune, 22nd April 2025: In a development that has stirred political chatter across Maharashtra, senior leader Sharad Pawar and his nephew, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, have met four times in the past few weeks—raising questions about a potential reunion between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). On Monday (21st April), the two leaders were once again seen together at the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) in Pune, attending a meeting on the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture. The meeting, which included Agriculture Minister reportedly led to a half-hour closed-door conversation between the two Pawars.

This latest meeting follows a series of recent public interactions between them, prompting speculation about a possible rapprochement after their political split. The comparison with the reunion talks between the Thackeray brothers has now extended to the Pawar uncle-nephew duo, with political circles abuzz about the future of the fractured NCP.

Their recent timeline of meetings includes:

– 12th December 2024: Ajit Pawar met Sharad Pawar at his Delhi residence on the latter’s birthday.
– 23rd January 2025: Both attended the annual general meeting at VSI, where they held a brief private discussion.
– 27th January 2025: Ajit Pawar called to inquire about Sharad Pawar’s health.
– 22nd March 2025: The duo attended another joint meeting.
– 10th April 2025: They were seen together with the entire Pawar family at a family engagement ceremony.
– 12th April 2025: Both appeared on the same stage at an event organized by the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha.

When asked about the growing speculation over their frequent meetings, Ajit Pawar downplayed the political implications. “We came together for a family engagement, which is a tradition in our culture. Such gatherings are part of our family values. It’s a private matter of the Pawar family and not for political discussion,” he said.

Addressing further speculation, Ajit Pawar clarified his role in institutions headed by Sharad Pawar. “I am a member or trustee in several institutions where Sharad Pawar is the president. I attend these meetings not as Deputy Chief Minister but in my official capacity within those institutions. Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, for example, includes members from multiple political parties and serves over 450,000 students. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the best education and raise funds for the same,” he explained.

Though both leaders continue to dismiss merger talks publicly, their repeated and increasingly visible engagements have given political observers plenty of reasons to watch closely.