Family, Friends, and Foes Unite to Celebrate Sharad Pawar's Birthday

New Delhi/Mumbai, Dec 12 (NationPress) Celebrating an unofficial significant day in the national political landscape, numerous celebrities and everyday citizens rushed to meet Nationalist Congress Party's Sharadchandra Govindrao Pawar and extend their wishes of ‘Happy Birthday Saheb’, either in person or through virtual means, on Thursday.

The flow of birthday wishes commenced with his close family and friends sharing greetings, roses, and cakes after midnight. By daybreak, it transformed into a veritable celebration, with many eager to connect with the veteran leader, who is currently a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Among the first to extend their greetings on X were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders from the INDIA bloc and NDA, alongside representatives from various parties, the corporate sector, entertainment industry, media, foreign dignitaries, and even ordinary citizens. Sharad Pawar has cultivated a wide network of supporters over his impressive 57-year political journey.

Dressed in his signature black jacket to ward off the chill of New Delhi, the Baramati-born birthday celebrant was seen relishing the attention, celebrating his day with a sparkle in his eyes and a warm smile, graciously accepting guests, including family, political allies, rivals, and admirers at his official residence, where many showed their reverence by bowing and seeking his blessings.

His daughter, Lok Sabha MP and NCP(SP) Working President Supriya Pawar-Sule, was seen graciously hosting guests, welcoming visitors and VIPs from Maharashtra and beyond with a broad smile and a humble ‘namaste’, guiding them to her ‘Baba’ (father in Marathi).

Notably present was Ajit A. Pawar, the rival NCP President and Deputy CM, accompanied by his wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra A. Pawar, and their son Parth Pawar, who dropped in to wish their beloved ‘Pawar Uncle’.

Over the last few years, the Ajit Pawar-Sharad Pawar factions have experienced numerous political shifts, party splits, and familial challenges. However, their personal bond has remained intact under the protective watch of the 84-year-old patriarch. Due to various political scenarios and personal aspirations, a somewhat frustrated Ajit Pawar had attempted to push his uncle towards a more passive role within the party.

Following the warm exchanges, it was time for the formalities, involving handshakes and cake-cutting, which Sharad Pawar undertook first with a small knife, then a larger sword, distributing cake pieces to his family while flower petals rained down amidst cheers and applause.

After a brief period of pleasantries, Sharad Pawar quickly resumed his duties, heading to Parliament for the day's sessions.

In addition to the Pawar family, NCP(SP) leaders such as the Sule family, Jayant R. Patil, Dr Jitendra Awhad, Fauzia Khan, Rohit R. Pawar, and Yugendra A. Pawar, along with NCP's Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal; Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Priyanka Chaturvedi, Sanjay Raut, Kishore Tiwari, Sushma Andhare, among others, extended their greetings.

Additionally, many leaders from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and various other state, regional, or national parties, along with state Chief Ministers, celebrities, business magnates, and countless citizens, expressed their best wishes either in person or via social media.

Many praised Sharad Pawar for his good health, the wisdom he imparts when needed, and acknowledged his political prowess, administrative capabilities, and guidance to the younger generation, expressing gratitude for the valuable insights gained under his strong yet gentle mentorship through numerous political challenges.

Speaking on behalf of the Baramati political dynasty, Ajit A. Pawar and his nephew Yugendra S. Pawar emphasized that despite any political disagreements, they have never allowed these to disrupt family bonds, a lesson imparted by Sharad Pawar himself.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: qnajmi@gmail.com)