Amid talks of a possible reconciliation between the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and veteran leader Sharad Pawar were seen engaged in a brief conversation during a meeting in Pune on Saturday.
The two leaders were attending a routine meeting of the sugar cooperative group, which takes place almost every month in Pune. The gathering was attended by several senior political figures, including Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar, Dilip Walse Patil, Jayant Patil, Rajesh Tope, Balasaheb Thorat, and Harshvardhan Patil, as well as officials linked to the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
During the meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, discussions were held on the integration of AI technology into sugar production. A pilot project in this regard is set to be launched through the Someshwar factory in Baramati, Baramati Bank, and an AI organisation. As per the proposal, AI would only be compensated if sugarcane production increases by at least 40 percent.
The brief exchange between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar took place after the meeting concluded, as participants gathered for tea. Eyewitnesses noted that the two leaders conversed privately for about five to seven minutes at the same venue before parting ways.
NCP Merger Speculation
The meeting drew significant attention as it came amid persistent speculation over a possible rapprochement between the rival NCP factions. The party had split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar joined the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government. The Election Commission later awarded the NCP name and party symbol to Ajit Pawar’s faction, while Sharad Pawar’s group was recognised as the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
Despite repeated buzz around a reunion, both factions have consistently dismissed such talks as mere speculation. Those present at the meeting said there was no confirmation of any discussion between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar regarding the party’s internal rift — something only the two leaders themselves can verify.
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