Maharashtra | The never ending Pawar saga
Both NCP factions are on the cusp of definitive change, but the plot is full of twists and turns
Sharad Govindrao Pawar is a famous Indian politician having excellence in the regional politics of Maharashtra, India. He has been engaged in public service for over sixty years. Founder and President of the Nationalist Congress Party (founded in 1999), Pawar leads NCP in the Rajya Sabha, upper house of the Indian Parliament after separating from the Indian National Congress.
During his long political tenure, he has served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and also held supreme posts such as Minister of Defence and Minister of Agriculture in the Government of India. Pawar assumed his office as the Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha on April 3, 2014.
Sharad Pawar was born on December 12, 1940. He is one of the eleven children born to Govind Rao Pawar and his wife, Shardabai Pawar. He hails from a huge family of thirteen members from a town in Baramati in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Vasant Rao was the eldest brother of Sharad Pawar who was murdered in a land dispute. Pratap Pawar is his younger brother. Pawar attended Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce (BMCC), Pune for his higher studies.
Regarded as a protégé of Yashwantrao Chavan, Pawar was introduced to politics at a very young age as his first political act was organising a protest march for Goan independence in Pravaranagar in 1956, following which he rose to become the president of Poona district youth Congress in 1962.
On August 1, 1967, Sharad Pawar tied the knot with Pratibha, daughter of test cricketer Sadashiv Shinde. The couple welcomed their only daughter Supriya Sule on June 30, 1969. Apart from politics, Pawar also served as the chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In 2017, Sharad Pawar was awarded the second-highest civilian award of India, Padma Bhushan.
Both NCP factions are on the cusp of definitive change, but the plot is full of twists and turns
Maharashtra's Opposition and government have clashed over Chakan's infrastructure woes and claims of industrial migration. The confrontation has widened into a larger fight over jobs, investment and the state's business climate.
A man showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi something on his phone at Supriya Sule’s daughter's wedding reception left the internet curious. Here’s who he is and why he is famous.
The wedding reception of NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule’s daughter Revati brought together several top political leaders in Delhi on Monday. PM Modi, Amit Shah, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were seen at the venue.
The NCP (SP) remains part of the INDIA bloc and has maintained that its meetings with the Prime Minister have focused on state, constituency and public-interest issues.
The meeting comes against the speculation that Sharad Pawar’s NCP could back the Centre on the Delimitation Bill, when it comes in Parliament.
Uddhav was at the lowest ebb of his career, with a haemorrhaging party. Then the CJP moment turned the narrative. Can he cash in?
Trustees of Vidya Pratishthan have asked Sharad Pawar to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate Prerna Sthal in Baramati. The move has drawn attention because Pawar simultaneously dismissed speculation over a reunion of the rival NCP factions.
Is the NCP (SCP) going to chum up with the BJP? Straws in the wind hint at negotiations—with Shinde as a crucial plot device
Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi after his visit to Jantar Mantar. The meeting has sharpened scrutiny of Opposition cohesion ahead of the Monsoon Session.
Sources said the BJP wants Sharad Pawar's NCP faction to reunite with Sunetra Pawar's camp before joining the NDA. The talks have gained weight after the NCP(SP) signalled a softer stand on the proposed delimitation bill.
The Sharad Pawar-led NCP is likely to back the NDA's Delimitation Bill if it guarantees a uniform 50% increase in Lok Sabha seats across all states, a move that could see the party break ranks with the Opposition.
Sharad Pawar's unexpected meeting with Eknath Shinde has triggered a political storm within the Maha Vikas Aghadi, with Shiv Sena (UBT) accusing Pawar of legitimising a "traitor," while Congress and NCP (SP) dismissed the controversy as an overreaction.
Sharad Pawar met Eknath Shinde at the Maharashtra legislature after a committee meeting. The surprise visit has intensified questions over tensions within the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP are discussing a possible merger in Maharashtra. The talks come as the the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi faces strains and renewed questions over opposition unity.
Actor Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha faced a title row as the NCP and Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family demand the legendary Marathi folk artiste's name be included.
His remarks came days after a major setback for his party, with six MPs breaking away from his faction, adding to concerns over the opposition bloc’s ability to stay united at a critical political moment.
Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor and several Bollywood celebrities attended the wedding of Supriya Sule's daughter Revati and Sarang Lakhani in Mumbai.
Actor Shah Rukh Khan was among the other guests at politician Supriya Sule's daughter, Revati and Sarang Lakhani's pre-wedding celebration. Several videos of the superstar's dance have emerged online.
With the Modi government completing 12 years at the Centre, Sharad Pawar used the NCP's foundation day event to draw a sharp distinction between Narendra Modi's tenure and Jawaharlal Nehru's role in India's freedom struggle.
A major boardroom conflict has emerged within the Tata Group over corporate governance, leadership, and the proposed stock market listing of Tata Sons. Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata opposed the Tata Sons board's four-to-one resolution to reappoint N. Chandrasekaran as chairman for another five-year term from February 2027, and also rejected the proposed listing. In contrast, trust nominee Venu Srinivasan backed the board's decision, while the Shapoorji Pallonji Group favored a listing to unlock share value. The conflict involves regulatory scrutiny after the Reserve Bank of India rejected Tata Sons' request to exit its core investment company status. Amid the escalating corporate dispute heading for legal evaluation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the necessity of professionalisation and separating ownership from management in businesses, while veteran politician Sharad Pawar advocated for dialogue, due process, and upholding the affirmative rights and ownership role of Tata Trusts under its articles of association.
A report details the intensifying leadership succession dispute within the Tata Group following a contentious board decision regarding N. Chandrasekaran continuing as chairman over Noel Tata. Legal camps are preparing defenses as the issue heads toward potential court litigation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the need to separate ownership from management in family businesses, while NCP SP leader Sharad Pawar defended the trust-nominated affirmative voting rights. Senior advocate Harish Salve addressed the dispute over converting Tata Sons into a public company and the application of a chairman's casting vote amid trustee disagreements.
Ahead of the upcoming monsoon session of parliament, the BJP-led NDA is preparing to reintroduce the crucial the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on women's reservation and delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies while linking the two.
The big talking point of this episode of Democratic Newsroom is on the political dynamics at play, focusing on the NDA's efforts to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha to pass the Delimitation Bill in the upcoming monsoon session.
Mamata Banerjee met Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday amid speculation of a split within the Trinamool Congress.
The viral video of a Mumbai woman confronting a Maharashtra minister on Wednesday over traffic jam triggered by a political protest rally has sparked a debate on political rallies and public rights.
The big talking point of this episode of To The Point is the political fallout from a shirtless protest by Youth Congress members at the India AI Summit, which led to multiple arrests.
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has been admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune after complaining of a throat infection, fever, and cough.
This Special Report hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai examines the significant political shift in Maharashtra following the death of Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. His widow, Sunetra Pawar, has been sworn in as the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, a move occurring three days after the tragedy. While the NCP leadership attributes this appointment to public sentiment, family patriarch Sharad Pawar and various critics have raised questions regarding transparency and the timing of the elevation. The programme features analysis from Sahil Joshi and Rohit Sandhavarkar on whether Sunetra Pawar can maintain independent control or if she will be influenced by senior leaders like Praful Patel. Concurrently, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assumed the finance and planning portfolios, consolidating BJP influence within the Mahayuti coalition. The discussion explores the historical context of political legacies, the internal dynamics of the Pawar family, and the administrative challenges facing the new Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape.
On this Special Report, editor Sahil Joshi provides an exclusive chronology of the political shift in Maharashtra following the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar. Joshi notes that the decision to elevate Sunetra Pawar to Deputy Chief Minister was unique because 'This is the first time the decision happened outside the family' circle, involving top NCP leaders like Praful Patel and Chagan Bhujbal before being conveyed to the Pawar family. The discussion explores whether Sunetra Pawar, a political newcomer, can successfully navigate the administrative challenges of the role and maintain the NCP's influence alongside a powerful Chief Minister like Devendra Fadnavis. The programme also examines the potential for a merger between the two NCP factions and the strategic role of the BJP in this transition. Analysts weigh in on the historical precedents of spouses taking over political legacies and the specific hurdles Sunetra Pawar faces in holding the party together amidst an existential crisis.
On this India Today special report, Anish Gawande of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) joins Rajdeep Sardesai to discuss the sudden political developments in Maharashtra following the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar. Gawande addresses the appointment of Sunetra Pawar as the new Deputy Chief Minister, stating, 'I think that Sunetra Wahini is incredibly capable and competent of being Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.' He emphasizes that despite the political divide, the family remains united in grief and dismisses claims of being 'outsmarted' by the BJP or the Ajit Pawar faction. Gawande explains that the decision was internal to the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) and reflects the public sentiment in Baramati. The discussion also touches upon the tradition of kin succeeding leaders in Maharashtra politics and the current status of potential merger talks between the two NCP factions in the wake of the tragedy.
In this news bulletin, an unidentified speaker addresses significant claims involving the Pawar family and political shifts in Maharashtra. The speaker mentions being 'very happy to be here today' while the introductory narration discusses a purported merger that was reportedly 'on the anvil in the month of February'. The transcript highlights a claim that the 85-year-old patriarch was unaware of Sunetra Pawar being sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. Furthermore, the dialogue references a 'tragic death of Ajit Pawar' as a turning point for these political developments. The programme focuses on these assertions regarding internal family dynamics and the timing of political alliances. The unidentified speaker repeats their enthusiasm for the occasion while the report outlines the alleged lack of communication within the political dynasty regarding high-level appointments and the impact of sudden events on planned mergers.
On this news bulletin, an Unidentified speaker, serving as the National General Secretary of the NCP, addresses the controversial appointment of Sunetra Pawar as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra following the reported demise of Ajit Pawar. The speaker states, 'It is the right time to take the right decision because today or tomorrow it was going to be happen,' justifying the move as a response to public sentiment and worker demands. During the interview, the spokesperson categorically denies allegations of 'parivarwaad' (dynasty politics) and rejects claims that the decision was orchestrated by the BJP to prevent a merger with Sharad Pawar’s faction. The discussion highlights the internal dynamics of the Mahayuti alliance, with the spokesperson asserting that the party leadership, including Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, acted independently to fulfill the mandate given by the public under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This special report examines the evolving political landscape in Maharashtra following a high-profile meeting at Sharad Pawar's Baramati residence on 17th January. The report highlights that while the Sharad Pawar faction views a potential NCP reunion as 'Ajit Dada's last wish', the rival faction has officially denied any such merger talks. The transcript reveals that a tentative date of 12th February had been set for the merger before the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar. Furthermore, the Pawar patriarch expressed surprise regarding the elevation of Sunetra Pawar to the post of Deputy Chief Minister, stating he was unaware of the development. The programme features insights into the discussions involving senior leaders like Supriya Sule and explores whether the two factions will reconcile or continue to drift apart. As the political drama unfolds, the future of the Nationalist Congress Party remains uncertain amidst conflicting claims from both sides of the Pawar family.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the intensifying political drama within the Pawar family following Sunetra Pawar's oath-taking ceremony as the Deputy Chief Minister. The Unidentified speaker reports that Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar, and Rohit Pawar were notably absent and uninvited to the ceremony. When questioned about the development, Supriya Sule repeatedly responded with 'Ram Krishna Hari', choosing to remain silent on the family's political shift. The Unidentified speaker noted, 'She just said Ram Krishna Hari That's how she concluded and she avoided to speak over it.' The report highlights a meeting between Sule and Ajit Pawar's mother, Asha Tai, in Kathewadi shortly before the ceremony. Despite the family interactions following the reported passing of Ajit Pawar, the political divide remains prominent. The programme explores the uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the ongoing disagreement expressed by Sharad Pawar regarding these fast-moving political developments.
In this special report, the focus is on the sudden political transition in Maharashtra following the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar. Sunetra Pawar has been sworn in as the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister, a move congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister stated, 'I'm confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfill the vision of late Ajit Dada Pawar.' The bulletin explores the internal dynamics of the NCP Ajit Pawar faction and the potential for a merger with the Sharad Pawar group. While Sunetra Pawar takes over portfolios like Excise and Minority Affairs, the crucial Finance portfolio remains with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ahead of the state budget. The programme further analyzes the impact of this leadership change on upcoming local body polls and the strategic power balance within the Mahayuti alliance involving the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
This report covers the political developments in Maharashtra following the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar in a tragic airplane crash. Sunetra Pawar has been sworn in as the new Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, filling the vacancy left by her late husband. During the proceedings, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule reportedly refused to answer questions from the press regarding the oath ceremony. NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar, when questioned about the appointment, stated, 'I do not know this is a decision that has been taken by the party internally,' suggesting a lack of consensus within the family and the broader political factions. The transition occurs amidst speculation regarding a potential merger between the two NCP factions, a move previously associated with Ajit Pawar's wishes. Sunetra Pawar now joins the state cabinet alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while senior members of the Pawar family remained absent from the official ceremony.
In a significant political development, Sunetra Pawar has been sworn in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The appointment follows the tragic demise of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a road accident on 28th January. During the solemn ceremony at Lok Bhawan, supporters were heard chanting 'Ajit Dada Amar Rahe' as the new Deputy CM signed the official documents. The broadcast highlights the immense responsibility now resting on Sunetra Pawar to keep the NCP flock together and manage key portfolios, including the upcoming budget session. While speculation regarding a merger with the Sharad Pawar-led faction continues to swirl, party insiders suggest the immediate priority remains government stability. The program notes that Sunetra Pawar will likely vacate her Rajya Sabha seat to focus on her new role in the state cabinet. Senior leaders and family members, including her sons Parth and Jay, were present as the party unanimously backed her leadership to ensure the continuity of Ajit Pawar's political legacy.
On this Special Report, Sneha Koshy discusses the escalating tensions within the Pawar family following Sunetra Pawar's appointment as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The transcript highlights a significant rift, with Sharad Pawar stating, 'I wasn't even consulted, this is a decision that the party has taken internally about Sunetra Pawar taking over.' This development follows the sudden vacancy in the role and has sparked intense speculation regarding a potential merger between the rival NCP factions. Senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal addressed the timing of the move, remarking that 'there was no hurry' and that the decision was a matter of opinion. The programme examines the existential crisis facing both factions and the internal dynamics of the Nationalist Congress Party as they navigate this leadership transition. Sneha Koshy and colleagues explore whether the two sides can achieve longevity through a possible reunion amidst the current political vacuum.
This news report covers the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislative meeting in Mumbai, where Sunetra Pawar was unanimously elected as the CLP leader. Following the proposal by Dilip Walse Patil and support from top leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, she is set to become Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister. The reporter notes, 'Sunetra Pawar is set to take oath as the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister' at 5 PM today. The transition follows her resignation as a Member of Parliament. While the Ajit Pawar faction solidifies its leadership, questions regarding a potential merger between the two NCP factions remain unanswered. The swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan is expected to be a concise event attended by major political figures. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule are reportedly holding a separate meeting in Pune. The broadcast highlights Sunetra Pawar's new role in leading the faction forward, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape.