Opinion: Blog

In the dynamic and often opaque world of Indian politics, leaders frequently cloak their aspirations for power in verbose declarations of 'public service.' However, Ajit Pawar, a prominent figure in Maharashtra's political landscape, has consistently distinguished himself by wearing his ambition on his sleeve. His frank desire to ascend to the Chief Minister's office has been a defining characteristic, often expressed with an candor rarely seen among his contemporaries.

Reflecting on an earlier interaction, Ajit Pawar once asserted with striking conviction, "Swati, you will see I will be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and then I will call you to Varsha and celebrate with your favourite wine." This statement encapsulates the very essence of a politician unburdened by the need to feign humility or deflect from his ultimate goal. His directness, though sometimes jarring, has offered a refreshing contrast to the calculated ambiguity that often pervades political discourse.

An Unforgettable Encounter at Heathrow

My relationship with Ajit Pawar has been multi-faceted, initiated through his illustrious uncle and mentor, Sharad Pawar – a towering figure in Indian politics whose strategic brilliance and masterful gamesmanship I have long admired. Years ago, a chance encounter at London's Heathrow Airport provided a glimpse into the Pawar family dynamic. Amidst a bustling confectionery shop, I spotted Sharad Pawar, impeccably dressed, accompanied by his wife Pratibha and Ajit Pawar. They were engrossed in buying an impressive array of chocolates, and even in this mundane activity, Ajit Pawar's characteristic impatience was palpable. While the unflappable British sales assistant remained unfazed, Pawar Senior chuckled, remarking in Marathi, "Stop your fighting and meet this young and bright journalist. She is as aggressive as you, so be careful."

Ajit Pawar offered a quick "Hello" before returning to settle the bill. Yet, as I began to walk away, he called out, "Why are you rushing away? Take my number and give me yours, I will save it. Saheb has said na." This brief exchange perfectly encapsulated the prevailing dynamic: an implicit obedience and deference to 'Saheb' (Sharad Pawar), even as Ajit asserted his own presence. His adherence to his uncle's directives was, and often still is, a cornerstone of his political conduct.

Temperament, Pragmatism, and Public Life

Ajit Pawar, while undeniably a product of the Pawar political lineage, stands apart from his uncle in significant ways. He is known for his quick temper, a tendency to make intemperate public statements, and a more direct, sometimes rough-and-ready approach to politics. These traits have occasionally led to controversy. I recall a particularly strong condemnation I posted online following one of his controversial remarks. Within two hours, my phone rang, and a familiar, agitated voice declared, without preamble, "Kuch zyada bol gaya (I said too much) ... Sometimes I have no control. But, you stop attacking me in public. Phone utha ke bol do na (why don't you tell me directly over the phone?)."

His impetuous nature, in my view, has sometimes seemed ill-suited for the public spotlight, frequently leading to rash outbursts that could easily be avoided. However, this frankness is balanced by an undeniable capacity for action. Ajit Pawar is, first and foremost, a doer – an excellent manager with an ambitious vision for Maharashtra and himself, coupled with the drive and capability to transform those dreams into reality. One need only visit Baramati, the Pawar family's stronghold, to witness the tangible impact of their efforts. From the cultivation of oranges and high-quality grapes for the burgeoning wine industry to the sophisticated dairy products procured in bulk by multinational corporations like Nestle, Baramati's transformation under the Pawar stewardship, with Ajit Pawar playing a crucial administrative role, has been nothing short of remarkable. Indeed, his pride in Maharashtra's wine industry was so profound that he personally informed me about orchestrating a grape variety to be named "Sharad" – a heartfelt tribute to his esteemed uncle.

The Enduring Bonds of Family and Political Ambition

The Pawar family, despite highly publicised political differences and occasional rifts, demonstrates an unbreakable solidarity. The celebrations marking Sharad Pawar's 85th birthday served as a powerful testament to these iron bonds, showcasing a family united beyond political alignments. Similarly, I recall the emotional scene at Supriya Sule's wedding, where Ajit Pawar, despite his generally gruff exterior, openly wept like a baby, revealing a softer, deeply affectionate side that underscores the profound personal connections within the clan.

Even when politically divergent, Ajit Pawar has consistently spoken with deep affection for his aunt, uncle, and niece. His initial return to the original NCP fold, for instance, was famously orchestrated at Sharad Pawar's direct command. He has always regarded Sharad Pawar as his hero, absorbing political lessons simply by being in 'Saheb's' orbit. "I wanted to be CM because I saw for myself what a great CM he [Sharad Pawar] was," Ajit Pawar once explained to me when I inquired about his apparent lack of interest in national politics. He elaborated, "I don't like your Delhi; they will never let a Maratha rule. I want to be a King in my own kingdom." This sentiment finds an eerie echo in Sharad Pawar's own words during a television interview with me, when questioned about his prime ministerial ambitions: "Delhi would never let a Maratha be PM." This shared perspective reveals a deep-seated understanding of the intricacies and perceived biases within the national political establishment, and perhaps, a pragmatic acceptance of their political reality.

The Impatient, Impetuous Leader and the Media

My prolonged interactions with Ajit Pawar over the years led me to believe that he harbors a genuine respect for strong women, particularly those who refuse to buckle under his often hectoring or bullying demeanor. On numerous occasions, when I penned columns critical of his politics or tweeted against his actions, he refrained from banning me – a common tactic among other politicians. Instead, after a period of sullen silence, he would personally call, insisting, "You Delhi people don't understand politics." On one memorable occasion, he quipped with characteristic bluntness, "When I become CM you will eat your words with varan bhaat because you are silly enough to be vegetarian." These interactions, while at times confrontational, always conveyed an underlying respect, however grudging, for independent thought and expression.

There is a unique character to politicians from Maharashtra, a remarkable absence of the 'cookie-cutter' mold. Each figure possesses a distinct and often formidable personality. From the fiery rhetoric of Bal Thackeray to the soft-spoken pragmatism of Uddhav Thackeray, the confrontational stance of Raj Thackeray, and the influential legacies of the late Pramod Mahajan, Vilasrao Deshmukh, and Gopinath Munde – all have carved out their own indelible identities in the state's political history. Sharad Pawar, though not Ajit's biological father, shares a bond that transcends traditional familial limitations. He has cherished Ajit like the son he never had, once lamenting with a touch of melancholy, "I wish I could tell Ajit he will never become CM." This poignant remark speaks volumes about the complex tapestry of affection, ambition, and political reality that defines their extraordinary relationship. Ajit Pawar's journey continues to be one of unwavering ambition, a relentless pursuit of leadership in his chosen 'kingdom' of Maharashtra, driven by a personality that is as formidable as it is unique.