PUNE/KOLHAPUR: A striking reversal of stance within mere hours, NCP chief Sharad Pawar made a surprising announcement in Satara on Friday afternoon, stating that no further opportunities would be extended to Ajit Pawar to rectify his deviation from the party’s principles by aligning with the BJP. This sudden shift starkly contrasted with the senior Pawar’s earlier remarks made in Baramati that morning, where he had asserted the unity of the party and acknowledged his nephew’s leadership within it.
During the media interaction in Satara, when questioned about the possibility of accepting Ajit Pawar back into the NCP, Sharad Pawar pointed to the brief government stint in November 2019. During this period, his nephew had taken the oath as Deputy Chief Minister under Devendra Fadnavis, only to resign a few days later. Pawar Senior emphasized, “When someone acknowledges their mistake and expresses a commitment to rectify it, the party extends the chance for correction.”
Elaborating on the events of November 2019, Sharad Pawar recounted how Ajit Pawar had admitted his error and pledged not to repeat such actions. It was then that the party granted him a solitary opportunity to mend his ways. However, Sharad Pawar underscored that repeated mistakes warranted no additional chances, firmly stating, “We have decided that there will be no more chances given to Ajit.”
This shift in Sharad Pawar’s perspective came just hours after his daughter, Supriya Sule, had declared that there was no division within the party and that Ajit Pawar still held a leadership position in the NCP. Addressing the situation in Baramati, Sharad Pawar had affirmed, “It’s true, there’s no disagreement regarding this.”
He went on to clarify the distinction between a faction of leaders voicing a differing viewpoint within a party and a genuine split. Sharad Pawar emphasized that although some leaders had adopted a dissimilar stance, this divergence did not equate to a split within the party. He maintained that dissent within a democratic setup was permissible, yet it did not constitute a fragmentation of the party.
Reacting to his uncle’s abrupt about-face, Ajit Pawar responded in Pimpri Chinchwad, stating, “I prefer not to comment. My focus remains on contributing to the NDA government’s efforts towards the state’s advancement. After a considerable period, the state now boasts a government with the endorsement of numerous MLAs.”
The whirlwind of changing statements within a single day has sent ripples across the political landscape, spotlighting the intricate dynamics and shifting allegiances within the NCP. As the Pawar family navigates these complexities, the trajectory of their party’s future remains uncertain.
