Ajit visits Sharad Pawar on b'day, sets off rumors

MUMBAI: For the Pawar clan, it's always family first. Setting aside bitter differences with his uncle, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar paid Sharad Pawar a surprise visit, to wish him on his 84th birthday on Thursday.

- Faisal Malik

Accompanied by his wife Sunetra and son Parth, Ajit turned up at Pawar Senior's official residence in New Delhi, unannounced, along with senior leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal and Sunil Tatkare. Before meeting Pawar, Ajit had also extended his wishes to the veteran leader through a post on X.

This is the first time Ajit has visited Pawar Senior on his birthday since he split the NCP in July 2023. Taking 40 MLAs with him, Ajit dealt the party a body blow, even robbing it of its name and symbol. Next, he joined the BJP-led ruling Mahayuti alliance government.

However, when they met on Thursday, uncle and nephew also set aside memories of a bruising election campaign, where they had been at odds.

Thursday's meeting has set tongues wagging in political circles, with speculation rife that both factions of the NCP may reunite. However, insiders in the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) say there isn't a chance this could happen.