Can Sharad Pawar’s Contribution Be Overlooked?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sharad Pawar is a significant figure in Maharashtra politics.
- The NCP is honoring past leaders during the celebrations.
- The invitation may signal reconciliation efforts.
- Festivities will span from May 1 to 4.
- The political landscape remains tense between the Pawar factions.
Mumbai, April 29 (NationPress) Amid ongoing discussions of reconciliation, the NCP, led by Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is set to send a formal invitation to seasoned politician Sharad Pawar to join the celebration on Maharashtra Day, happening on May 1.
“The impact of Sharad Pawar’s work for both the state and the nation is undeniable. He stands as a national leader and has served as Maharashtra's Chief Minister four times. How could we overlook his achievements? Therefore, we will be inviting him,” expressed NCP state president and Lok Sabha MP, Sunil Tatkare.
The NCP experienced a split two years back, with Ajit Pawar taking charge of the party's name and election symbol, while Sharad Pawar continues to lead the Nationalist Congress Party (SP).
Tatkare mentioned that the NCP plans to honor all past Chief Ministers of Maharashtra on May 3.
“We have reached out to Prithviraj Chavan of Congress. Although we’ve learned that Uddhav Thackeray is currently abroad, we will also be inviting him. Our Executive President, Praful Patel, will personally meet with Sharad Pawar to deliver the invitation,” Tatkare noted.
The NCP is organizing the ‘Gauravshali Maharashtra’ festival from May 1 to 4, commemorating 65 years since Maharashtra's formation.
Among the five pavilions being constructed for this celebration, one will honor all Chief Ministers of the state, acknowledging their contributions over the past 65 years.
Tatkare informed reporters that after Maharashtra's establishment on May 1, 1960, a series of events and cultural programs were held for five continuous days.
“We are set to mirror this by hosting festivities from May 1 to 4,” he stated.
However, insiders from the NCP-SP have indicated that Sharad Pawar has yet to receive any such invitation from the NCP.
“This is not a government event but a party function. Given the recent events between the Pawars, it’s improbable that he will share the stage with the NCP,” remarked a senior leader from the NCP-SP.
Over the last two years, both Ajit and Sharad Pawar have only been seen together at various official meetings and family gatherings.
The two have deliberately kept their political stances separate and have avoided making any public comments since the assembly elections.