The political landscape of Maharashtra has undergone a dramatic shift following the tragic death of NCP chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. While his wife, Sunetra Pawar, took oath as the deputy chief minister, the party continues to face uncertainty. Amid reports of a potential merger between the two NCP factions, veteran leader Sharad Pawar has reemerged in the public eye, fueling speculation about a possible return to active politics. His recent interaction with the people of Baramati, a constituency long dominated by the Pawar family, has only intensified these rumors.
Sharad Pawar – The Strategist of Visual Messaging
With over 50 years of political experience, Sharad Pawar has played a pivotal role in both state and national politics. From forming his own party after disagreements with the Congress to establishing the Mahayuti government, Pawar has made several comebacks, often leveraging visual narratives to send political signals.
On January 30, Sharad Pawar visited the Nira River in Baramati to assess water pollution and gather feedback from local residents. While the visit appeared routine, political observers familiar with his style saw it as a subtle message of continued influence and potential re-entry into active politics. It also reassured the people of Baramati that, despite Ajit Pawar’s untimely demise, the Pawar family remains active in regional politics.
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This is not the first time Sharad Pawar has used visuals to convey political intent. During the 2019 Assembly polls, a video of him delivering a speech in heavy rain significantly influenced campaign dynamics. Although Ajit Pawar’s death disrupted talks of a merger between the two NCP factions, Sharad Pawar emphasized that his nephew had desired the merger, keeping the possibility alive.