Maharashtra’s political epicenter shifted to Baramati as NCP veteran Sharad Pawar delivered an emotional eulogy to nephew Ajit Pawar, felled by a plane crash on January 28. From Govind Bagh, a frail Pawar shuffled to the portrait amid security, his bowed head symbolizing unbreakable familial bonds.
The Sahyog Society venue brimmed with Pawar clan—Deputy CM Sunetra, Parth, Jay, Srinivas, Rohit—and throngs of sympathizers. Sharad’s interactions were heartfelt, yet this landmark encounter with Sunetra after her swearing-in ignited fervent political conjecture.
Ajit’s passing has triggered statewide mourning, with cross-party delegations flooding Baramati for two days running. Sharad, back from Mumbai, orchestrated meetings with family heavies and educational trust members, steering through turmoil.
To reporters, he demurred on Sunetra’s ascent, stressing India-China tensions over internal matters. Slamming CM Fadnavis on NCP unity talks, Pawar clarified: ‘It was Jayant Patil and Ajit only—no Fadnavis. His input is irrelevant, especially now.’
In Baramati’s shadow of loss, Sharad Pawar’s poise hints at steadying forces amid NCP’s fractured landscape and Maharashtra’s evolving power play.