Sharad Pawar Dismisses Talks Of Political Reunion With Ajit Pawar: ‘Nothing Wrong In Discussing Public Issues’

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday downplayed speculations about a political reunion following recent meetings with his estranged nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, saying there was nothing wrong in talking to representatives of the state government on issues concerning people.

Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Pawar expressed concerns over the prevailing water scarcity in the state and advised judicious use of water over the next couple of months.

Pawar senior has met the deputy chief minister thrice in a fortnight. Political circles are abuzz with rapprochement speculations since the duo shared the stage on Monday to discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture and the sugar industry in Pune.

He said Monday's meeting was a discussion on the use of Artificial Intelligence in sugar production. "We have been working to increase sugarcane production for several years. Working in silos is not possible, as the government's role is equally important. There is nothing wrong with talking to representatives of the state government on issues concerning the common people," he said.

Sharad Pawar's daughter and Baramati MP Supriya Sule said the meeting between the NCP founder and the DCM was a regular discussion regarding work-related matters.

"They (Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar) keep meeting over work. I have requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to hold an all-party meeting regarding crime and water-related issues, as they have increased in the state. Everyone needs to work together; Maharashtra is in a crisis," Sule said.

The NCP (SP) chief, along with Ajit Pawar's wife and Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar and grandnephew Yugendra Pawar, attended a meeting at Vidya Pratishthan, an educational institute in Baramati.

Yugendra was seen touching Sunetra Pawar's feet to seek her blessings as it was his birthday. When asked about his gesture, Yugendra said, "Despite political differences, my affection and respect for my uncle (Ajit Pawar) and aunt remain unchanged."