Sharad Pawar Snubs Sunetra’s Oath: Family Boycotts Maharashtra Deputy CM Ceremony

No one from my family will attend Sunetra’s oath-taking ceremony: Sharad Pawar

In a dramatic turn of events that has gripped Maharashtra’s political scene, veteran leader Sharad Pawar has publicly distanced himself and his entire family from the upcoming Sunetra Pawar oath ceremony. The announcement, made with a mix of surprise and firmness, confirms a deep and widening chasm within the Pawar family and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) following the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar.

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The Announcement: A Family in Disarray

Speaking to the media from his hometown, Sharad Pawar dropped a political bombshell. He stated unequivocally that “no one from my family will attend Sunetra’s oath-taking ceremony” [[2]]. The veteran politician expressed genuine surprise at the news of Sunetra Pawar’s elevation to the post of Deputy Chief Minister, revealing he was neither consulted nor informed about the decision beforehand. He learned about it, like the rest of the public, through news reports [[4]].

This public snub is not just a personal statement; it’s a powerful political signal. It underscores a complete lack of coordination and trust between the two main factions of the NCP—one led by Sharad Pawar himself and the other, now seemingly under the stewardship of Sunetra Pawar, representing the legacy of her late husband, Ajit Pawar.

The Political Context: A Party Torn Apart

The backdrop to this controversy is the bitter split in the NCP that occurred in July 2023, when Ajit Pawar led a significant faction of MLAs to join the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena government, defying his uncle Sharad Pawar. This move created two distinct entities: the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar and the original NCP symbol, now controlled by the Ajit Pawar faction.

Following Ajit Pawar’s sudden death, there was a brief period of speculation about a potential reunion of the two factions. However, Sharad Pawar’s recent statements have effectively slammed that door shut. His comments suggest that the decision to appoint Sunetra as Deputy CM was an internal matter of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and he and his family are not part of that equation [[19]].

[INTERNAL_LINK:maharashtra-politics-explained] For more on the complex dynamics of Maharashtra’s coalition politics, see our in-depth guide.

Why the Boycott? Unpacking Sharad Pawar’s Stance

Sharad Pawar’s decision to boycott the Sunetra Pawar oath ceremony is layered with political and personal meaning:

  • Lack of Consultation: The most immediate reason is the apparent disrespect shown by not consulting the family patriarch. In Indian political families, such protocol is often seen as a sign of respect and unity. Its absence here is a glaring red flag.
  • Rejection of Factional Authority: By stating he was not informed, Pawar is implicitly rejecting the authority of the leaders in the Ajit Pawar camp—specifically naming Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel—who are believed to have orchestrated Sunetra’s appointment [[2]].
  • Strategic Positioning: Attending the ceremony would have been seen as an endorsement of the other faction’s decisions. By staying away, Sharad Pawar is clearly demarcating his own political territory and asserting the independence of his NCP (SP).
  • Family Unity: The announcement that “no one” from his family will attend is a show of solidarity, ensuring that no individual family member, like his daughter Supriya Sule, can be seen as breaking ranks [[1]].

Implications for Maharashtra and the NCP’s Future

This public feud has far-reaching consequences:

For the State Government: While the Devendra Fadnavis-led government remains stable, the internal conflict within its NCP ally creates an element of uncertainty. The cohesion of the ruling coalition could be tested in the long run if the two NCP factions continue to operate as separate, competing entities.

For the NCP’s Future: The dream of a grand NCP reunion now seems more distant than ever. The party is likely to remain split, with each faction vying for the legacy of the Pawar name. Sunetra Pawar’s entry into active politics is a direct result of this schism, positioning her as a key figure in her husband’s faction [[22]].

For the Pawar Legacy: The once-unified Pawar political dynasty is now visibly fractured. The public disagreement over something as symbolic as an oath-taking ceremony highlights a deep personal and ideological divide that may take years, if ever, to heal. This situation is a stark reminder of the fragility of political dynasties in the face of ambition and power struggles.

For a broader perspective on how political dynasties function in India, you can refer to this analysis from Brookings Institution.

Conclusion: A Legacy at a Crossroads

Sharad Pawar’s boycott of the Sunetra Pawar oath ceremony is much more than a family quarrel. It is a definitive political statement that cements the split within the NCP and the Pawar family. What was once a unified political force is now two distinct paths, each claiming a piece of a powerful legacy. As Sunetra Pawar prepares to take her oath, she does so not just as a new Deputy CM, but as a symbol of a new, and deeply contested, chapter in Maharashtra’s political history. The road ahead for both factions promises to be fraught with challenges as they navigate their separate futures.

Sources

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