NCP chief Sharad Pawar, in a scathing attack on his former nephew, MP CM Ajit Pawar, on Tuesday accused him of breaking up the family over his political ambitions.

Campaigning in Baramati for his grandnephew and NCP (SP) candidate Yugendra Pawar, Sharad Pawar imitated Ajit’s recent emotional display over Yugendra’s candidature, humorously pretending to wipe his tears with a handkerchief, which made the crowd laugh.

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Elections for the 288 seats of the Maharashtra Assembly are scheduled for November 20, with counting to follow three days later. At a rally on Monday, Ajit Pawar, currently MP from Baramati, expressed disappointment, remarking that “elders” should have prevented the family rift over Yugendra’s candidature.

“My parents and brothers never taught me the sin of destroying the house (family),” Sharad Pawar remarked at a rally in Kanheri near Baramati.

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Highlighting his role as a long-time leader, Pawar noted that he had delegated party responsibilities to the younger generation, but cautioned against prioritizing personal power over unity. Referring to the dramatic events following the 2019 elections, he recalled: “Unfortunately, while we (NCP) were not in power, some of our colleagues suddenly woke up at dawn and took oath. This government did not last even four days.”

Ajit Pawar, who controversially associated with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to form a short-lived government, was targeted by Sharad Pawar’s questions. “You got the job most of the time. If you don’t get the job even once, will you destroy the house (family)? » asked Sharad Pawar.

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Sharad Pawar also highlighted his role as a unifying figure in the family, saying, “I have never done anything by going against anyone and I never will. In the future, regardless of anyone’s position, I will not go down the wrong path. I will ensure that my family remains united,” as reported by PTI.

He further noticed the “shift in language” in Ajit’s tone – from warning voters against emotional appeals during the Baramati Lok Sabha campaign to recently delivering his own emotional speech.

Despite the ongoing division, Sharad Pawar said he avoided favoring any member of his family and offered ministerial posts to others while keeping Supriya Sule away from office. Finally, he addressed the legal battle over the PCN name and symbol, saying the attribution to the rival faction had also been hurtful, but emphasizing his commitment to preserving his family and its values.