The political landscape of Maharashtra witnessed a dramatic turn when Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar met his estranged nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at Pune’s Vasantdada Sugar Institute. This meeting stirred reactions across political circles, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut sharply criticizing the move.
Raut’s Stern Reaction
Reacting strongly to the meeting, Raut stated that Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders refrain from engaging with those who have abandoned the party. He emphasized that his party remains committed to the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which comprises NCP (SP) and Congress.
Taking a jibe at the opposing faction, Raut remarked, “Everything seems fine between them, but we do not attempt to reconnect with those who have betrayed Maharashtra. We will continue to fight against those who divided our party and teach them a lesson.”
Significance of the Meeting
Earlier in the day, the government-recognized Vasantdada Sugar Institute held a council meeting attended by Sharad Pawar, NCP state president Jayant Patil, Ajit Pawar, and senior leader Dilip Walse Patil. While speculations around this meeting gained momentum, Raut reiterated his party’s stance against reconnecting with defectors.
Interestingly, the meeting followed previous instances where Sharad Pawar’s gestures, including honoring Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, had sparked internal friction within the opposition alliance.
Jayant Patil-Ajit Pawar Speculations Dismissed
Amid ongoing rumors about Jayant Patil’s possible shift to the Ajit Pawar-led faction, NCP (SP) executive president Supriya Sule played down the significance of the meeting. She stated that the Vasantdada Sugar Institute includes members from various political parties and that discussions focused solely on issues related to the sugar industry, farmers, and new technological advancements.
Ajit Pawar also clarified that the meeting was about the sugar sector, including discussions on artificial intelligence applications, and had no political undertones.
Political Crossfire Continues
NCP (SP) leader Amol Matale countered Raut’s remarks, advising him to focus on internal party matters rather than commenting on others. He emphasized that there was nothing secretive about the meeting between Jayant Patil and Ajit Pawar.
As Maharashtra’s political equations continue to evolve, this meeting has once again fueled speculations about realignments and shifting loyalties within the state’s political spectrum.
