Maharashtra’s political circles are abuzz after a rare closed-door meeting between Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and veteran leader Sharad Pawar in Pune. The uncle-nephew duo’s private conversation, held away from the media glare, has reignited speculation about a possible reconciliation or merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which split in 2023.
Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar were both present at a routine meeting of the Pune-based sugar cooperative group, a gathering that regularly draws senior political leaders and industry figures. This particular session focused on integrating artificial intelligence into sugar production, with a pilot project set to launch via the Someshwar factory in Baramati. The project proposes that AI technology will only be compensated if sugarcane yields rise by at least 40 percent, a significant step for Maharashtra’s influential sugar industry.
While the meeting’s official agenda centered on technology and agriculture, it was the brief, private exchange between Ajit and Sharad Pawar after the session that captured everyone’s attention. Eyewitnesses reported that the two leaders spoke one-on-one for five to seven minutes before parting ways, fueling rumors of behind-the-scenes negotiations.
The NCP’s internal rift dates back to July 2023, when Ajit Pawar led a faction to join the Eknath Shinde-led government, while Sharad Pawar retained leadership of the original party. The Election Commission later allotted the NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar’s group, with Sharad Pawar’s faction recognized as NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar)
Recent months have seen both Pawars sharing stages at public events, including seminars and cooperative meetings, prompting persistent speculation about a possible rapprochement or merger. The timing of this latest private meeting is especially significant, coming just as seven MLAs reportedly left Ajit Pawar’s camp, raising questions about the stability and future direction of both factions.
Despite the intense speculation, neither Ajit Pawar nor Sharad Pawar has publicly commented on the content of their discussion. NCP sources and spokespersons have maintained that only the top leadership can decide on a merger, and both factions have repeatedly dismissed reunion rumors as speculation. Sharad Pawar has previously stated that any decision would be made by his daughter, MP Supriya Sule, after consulting with party MLAs and MPs, while Sule herself has downplayed the possibility of a merger.
With local and municipal elections approaching, political observers note that nothing is impossible in Maharashtra’s fluid political landscape. As alliances and rivalries shift, the Pawar family’s moves are being watched closely by supporters, rivals, and analysts alike.
The next major public appearance for both leaders is expected at the Vasantdada Sugar Institute’s meeting in Pune on June 9, where further discussions on AI in agriculture are planned and where another encounter could add fuel to the ongoing speculation.
