Mumbai/Pune: Political circles in Maharashtra are abuzz once again as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) stalwarts Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar shared the stage for the third time this month. The latest appearance came during a meeting at the Sugar Commissionerate in Pune, where both leaders participated in an in-depth discussion on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture and the sugar industry. The meeting lasted around 90 minutes.
Focus on AI in Agriculture
After the meeting, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar addressed the media, highlighting the agenda of the discussion: enhancing agricultural productivity, improving soil fertility, and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. He mentioned that tech giants like Microsoft are actively working on AI-driven solutions in these areas.
“With the help of AI, we can increase farmers’ income and reduce their input costs,” Ajit Pawar said, underlining the potential of technology to transform rural economies.
Third Public Appearance Together This Month
This marks the third public appearance of the uncle-nephew duo in recent weeks. They were earlier seen together at the engagement ceremony of Jay Pawar and at a program organized by the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha in Satara.
When asked about the optics of frequent meetings with Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar downplayed the speculation, saying, “Families come together for personal events like engagements. Not everything should be viewed through a political lens.”
Two NCP Factions, One Stage
It is worth noting that Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar currently lead rival factions of the NCP. In 2023, Ajit Pawar broke away from the senior Pawar’s leadership and joined hands with the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) to form the state government. The split led to a significant realignment in Maharashtra politics.
However, these recent public interactions have triggered speculation about a possible thaw in relations or even political rapprochement between the two camps.
“Some Issues Are Above Politics” – Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar sought to draw a clear line between policy collaboration and political realignment, stating, “Some issues go beyond politics. Even the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers call for all-party meetings when necessary. Now that elections are over and a government is in place, we must work together for the welfare of the people.”
Political Significance Remains Unclear
Despite Ajit Pawar’s efforts to downplay political interpretations, analysts suggest that repeated appearances with Sharad Pawar — especially in policy-oriented forums — could indicate behind-the-scenes dialogues or at least a shift in approach toward constructive engagement.
For now, Maharashtra’s political chessboard remains dynamic, with each move by the Pawar duo being closely watched — not just by their party cadres, but also by the BJP and opposition alike. Whether these meetings signal a political realignment or are simply policy-focused collaborations is a question that remains open — but the buzz is unmistakably real.
