Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has admitted that his move in bringing a split in the Sharad Pawar’s family was not accepted by the people. He openly asserted that society disapproves of family conflicts. Moreover, he said that he has realised his mistake, referring to the recent Lok Sabha elections contest between his wife Sunetra and cousin Supriya Sule.
This is the second time in a month that the NCP leader has publicly acknowledged his mistake in having his wife contest against NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, who is the daughter of his uncle Sharad Pawar. He emphasised that politics should not intrude into family matters.
The “admission” of the mistake came against the backdrop of poor performance by the NCP, one of the constituents of the Mahayuti alliance in the state, in its maiden general elections after a split in the party.
Addressing the Jansamman rally organised by the NCP in Gadchiroli city on Friday, Ajit Pawar tried to discourage party leader and state minister Dharmarao Baba Aatram’s daughter Bhagyashri from crossing over to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).
Speculation is going around about a potential contest between Bhagyashri and her father in the upcoming state assembly elections.
“Nobody loves a daughter more than her father. Despite giving her away in marriage in Belgaum, he (Aatram) stood by her in Gadchiroli and made her the president of Zilla Parishad. Now you (Bhagyashri) are set to fight against your own father. Is this right?” the deputy CM asked the gathering.
He advised her to support her father and help him win because only he has the capacity and determination to develop the region. Moreover, he warned her that the society never accepts breaking one’s own family.
“This is like breaking the family, Ajit Pawar said, referring to the rift between Bhagyashri and her father over her political move. Society doesn’t like this. I have experienced the same and accepted my mistake,” he added.