Huge crowds at Sharad Pawar’s residence in Baramati

Baramati: In a swing of fortune for NCP (SP) President Sharad Pawar, massive crowds gathered to meet the senior politician at his residence at Govindbaug in Baramati.

After a vertical split in the NCP last year, many office-bearers and workers of the party deserted Pawar and joined the rival camp led by his nephew Ajit Pawar, who crossed over to the ruling combine. Hardly anybody went to greet Sharad Pawar last Diwali.

However, the picture has changed this Diwali. After the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) success in the Lok Sabha elections, office-bearers, workers and aspirants from the NCP (AP), from other parties and common citizens gathered in a large number at his residence on Friday (November 1).

His supporters from across the State visit Sharad Pawar to greet him and to enjoy ‘Diwali Faral’ every year. A video clip of the massive crowds at his residence has gone viral on social media.

After the split in the NCP, office-bearers and workers were in a dilemma. Though the party name and the symbol have been retained by the NCP (AP), it is evident that most workers still support Sharad Pawar.

Workers are curious to know whether all members of the Pawar clan would come together to celebrate Diwali. Ajit Pawar has announced that the Pawars would get together. The widening rift between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar was evident. Ajit Pawar’s aunt also tried to dissuade Ajit Pawar. But circumstances have changed now.

Ajit Pawar has levelled serious allegations against Sharad Pawar. He fielded wife Sunetra against Supriya Sule in the Lok Sabha election. Now, his nephew is in the fray from the NCP (SP) against Ajit Pawar in Baramati. This indicates a growing divide in the Pawar family. Though both Ajit Pawar’s and Sharad Pawar’s families may come together, they may not interact with each other.