“These Talks Are Not Happening Here”: Sharad Pawar Breaks Silence After Ajit Pawar’s Death, Clears Air on Merger, NDA, and Sunetra Pawar

Mumbai: Amid intense political speculation following the sudden death of senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar has firmly dismissed reports of rushed decisions, party mergers, and government participation, making it clear that he is neither part of these discussions nor informed about several developments being reported in the media.

Responding to questions about claims that senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare were taking quick political decisions after Ajit Pawar’s death, Sharad Pawar said that while a process of dialogue had begun earlier, the tragic accident changed everything.

“What I know is that a process had begun for our party (NCP-SCP) and Ajit Pawar’s party (NCP) to work together, and a decision on this was to be taken soon. However, this unfortunate accident has occurred,” Sharad Pawar said. When asked whether he would consider joining the NDA if both factions of the NCP came together, Sharad Pawar completely rejected the speculation, calling it a media-driven narrative.

“This is all going on on your side (media), there is nothing like that here,” he stated. On the sensitive issue of family unity and whether he was consulted regarding Sunetra Pawar being projected as a potential Deputy Chief Minister, Sharad Pawar stressed that there is no internal conflict within the Pawar family.

“Family stands united if an issue occurs in the family. There are no issues in the family,” he said. However, Pawar also made it clear that he was not informed about any decision related to Sunetra Pawar’s possible oath-taking.

“I have no information about it. Her party must have decided. What I saw in the newspaper today: some names like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare who have taken the initiative to make some decisions. I had no discussion on this. I have no information about this. I am not even aware if it is happening,” he added. Sharad Pawar further clarified that whatever political discussions are currently underway are not happening under his leadership or guidance.

“All these discussions are not taking place here; they are happening in Mumbai. Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and other senior leaders are having these discussions. Whatever is being seen appears to be decisions taken by them. I will not comment on this,” he said. Speaking emotionally about Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar described him as a deeply committed leader who dedicated his life to public service and justice.

“Ajit Pawar was a capable and committed leader who truly worked for the people. He would thoroughly understand public issues and always worked to ensure that people received justice,” Pawar said. Recalling Ajit Pawar’s bond with his constituency, he added,

“The people of Baramati have always stood by him, and he never fell short when it came to his work and responsibilities.” Sharad Pawar said Ajit Pawar’s death has left the family and political circles in shock, but called for resilience and continuity.

“His passing away has deeply shocked all of us. The situation that has arisen after his demise calls upon us to move forward with strength. We must work to reduce the suffering of the people and continue the approach and values with which he served,” he said. Expressing confidence in the younger generation, Sharad Pawar concluded by saying,

“I firmly believe that the new generation of his family will certainly carry forward his legacy and way of working.”