The meeting took place at Vidya Pratishthan, an educational institute in the Pawar family’s hometown of Baramati, and lasted around one-and-a-half hours. There was no official word on the agenda, though sources indicated the discussions may have focused on the possible merger of the two NCP factions
Parth and Jay Pawar during the funeral of their father and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on January 29. Pic/PTI
A closed-door meeting between Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and the sons of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar — Parth and Jay— was held in Baramati on Wednesday, PTI sources said.
The meeting took place at Vidya Pratishthan, an educational institute in the Pawar family’s hometown of Baramati, and lasted around one-and-a-half hours. There was no official word on the agenda, though PTI sources indicated the discussions may have focused on the possible merger of the two NCP factions and the upcoming zilla parishad elections in Maharashtra.
Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. Three days later, his wife Sunetra took oath as Maharashtra Deputy CM.
Following Ajit Pawar’s death, Sharad Pawar and other party leaders said merger talks between the two NCP factions were in advanced stages, with the late deputy CM reportedly having finalised February 12 as the date to announce reunification.
CM Devendra Fadnavis, however, raised questions over the merger claims, saying that had talks been underway, Ajit Pawar would have shared the details with him.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar’s cousin, Shreejit, recalled his last conversation with the late deputy CM.
Dada said we will move forward together with everyone: Ajit Pawar's cousin
“I texted Dada (Ajit Pawar) at 8:30 am to talk about the elections. He said we will take people of all religions and castes together… At 8:37 am, he called me and said that we will move forward together with everyone,” Shreejit told ANI.
The crash that claimed Ajit Pawar’s life also killed his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots.
Meanwhile, expressing support for Sunetra, Sharad Pawar said, “I am happy that Sunetra Pawar is sworn in as Deputy CM. Merger discussions were held between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil. CM Fadnavis was not involved in the talks. What right did he have to comment on it?”
He added, “At present, our entire focus is on taking care of everyone and moving forward together with those who are grieving. As of now, there is no discussion at all about any political decisions.”
(With PTI and ANI inputs)
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