Mumbai: Like father, like son—or at the least that’s the picture the late Ajit Pawar’s son Parth Pawar appears to be creating. On 15 February, Parth Pawar went to Baramati unannounced, and inspected varied public works undertaken by Ajit Pawar of their hometown-Baramati.

He inspected the high-profile Shivsrushti mission began by Ajit Pawar in January 2025. A Rs 650-crore mission, it’s anticipated to spice up tourism. Parth Pawar additionally requested concerning the standing and security elements of assorted initiatives just like the butterfly backyard and journey actions inside the mission.

After largely remaining within the background following his defeat within the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Parth now seems poised to re-enter mainstream politics. The Rajya Sabha seat vacated by his mom Sunetra Pawar is extensively anticipated to be supplied to him.

“He has taken a eager curiosity in political actions and get together affairs, which is a welcome signal. If he’s despatched to the Rajya Sabha, the cadre will probably be happy,” NCP spokesperson Sanjay Tatkare instructed ThePrint.

“He’s approachable and nonetheless younger, which will probably be a bonus,” Tatkare added.

Social gathering insiders say Parth is the probably alternative because the seat has historically been held by the household, making him the “pure successor”.

A senior NCP functionary near Parth stated: “He’s taking an lively curiosity in politics now. Earlier, he was on the periphery, so it was troublesome to evaluate him. Over the previous fortnight, nonetheless, we have now all noticed him intently. He’s changing into extra accountable and seems able to step into that function.”

One other get together chief famous that Parth had not beforehand been concerned in day-to-day get together affairs or main decision-making. “However after dada’s demise, his curiosity has elevated. It’s too early to say how it will evolve, however it’s encouraging to see him lively.”

Following Ajit Pawar’s loss of life, it was unanimously determined that Sunetra Pawar would assume management and grow to be Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra—a transfer Parth supported. In accordance with get together sources, the choice was largely taken by senior leaders, as Parth was nonetheless grieving on the time.

From the sidelines

After his unsuccessful Lok Sabha bid from Maval in 2019, Parth receded from public view. Nevertheless, based on an MLA who requested anonymity, he performed a behind-the-scenes function in strengthening booth-level administration and enhancing the get together’s social media presence.

His involvement reportedly elevated after the get together cut up in 2023, when Ajit Pawar started main the brand new faction. Round that point, the get together appointed Naresh Arora of Design Boxed (a political marketing campaign firm) as media adviser—Arora is somebody with whom Parth is claimed to share an in depth rapport.

At one level, Parth publicly defended Arora in opposition to criticism from get together MLC Amol Mitkari, who had objected to Arora taking credit score for the get together’s Meeting election victory. Parth said on social media that Mitkari’s remarks didn’t replicate the get together’s official place and urged him to chorus from making such feedback.

Though he continued to keep away from intensive media publicity, Parth intermittently assisted his father in get together issues—visiting taluka places of work, convening district-level conferences, participating booth-level staff, and strengthening the get together’s rural base forward of the 2024 common election.

With Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for 16 March, Sunetra Pawar—now Deputy Chief Minister—must vacate her Higher Home seat. Of the seven Maharashtra seats falling vacant, the ruling Mahayuti alliance is anticipated to safe six.

NCP leaders are, subsequently, more likely to nominate Parth Pawar to succeed his mom, who had been despatched to the Rajya Sabha after dropping the 2024 Lok Sabha election to Supriya Sule.

No stranger to controversy

Regardless of sustaining a comparatively low public profile, Parth Pawar has confronted his share of controversies.

In 2020, Sharad Pawar publicly described him as “immature” after Parth wrote to then Maharashtra Dwelling Minister Anil Deshmukh looking for a CBI probe into actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s loss of life—an episode that reportedly exacerbated tensions inside the Pawar household.

Sharad Pawar was extensively perceived to have targeted extra on mentoring his different grandnephews, Rohit Pawar and Yugendra Pawar.

For a while, Parth had been looking for a extra lively political function. Following his 2019 defeat, nonetheless, tensions between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar reportedly intensified, with Ajit believed to have felt that Parth had not been adequately groomed for management.

Throughout the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Parth sparked controversy once more by assembly Pune-based gangster Gajanan Marne—a transfer that drew public criticism even from his father.

In November 2025, his identify surfaced in reference to the alleged Mundhwa land rip-off. Earlier this month, nonetheless, he was cleared by a high-level inquiry committee headed by Further Chief Secretary (Income) Vikas Kharge. Income division sources point out that Parth was exonerated as his signature didn’t seem on any related land buy paperwork.

The event has come as important reduction for the youthful Pawar as he makes an attempt to relaunch his political profession.

“Earlier, Parth didn’t take a lot curiosity in get together functioning. Now he’s assembly folks and get together staff way more continuously,” the senior functionary quoted earlier stated.

Parth additionally performed an lively function in organising the prayer assembly for Ajit Pawar on 23 February, overseeing invites, speeches, and an audio-visual montage chronicling his father’s life.

Social gathering functionaries say they’re witnessing a special Parth now. Whereas it stays unclear precisely which function he’ll assume, they consider his doubtless nomination to the Rajya Sabha would firmly place him in mainstream politics.

“The view inside the get together is that Parth Pawar needs to be given the Rajya Sabha seat, as Sunetra Pawar will contest the MLA seat from Baramati. Since it’s successfully a household seat, there isn’t a dispute,” a senior functionary stated.

In accordance with get together insiders, Parth seems extra inclined in direction of nationwide politics than state-level affairs.

“I consider he’ll deal with central politics, significantly as Vahini (Sunetra) has moved to state politics. There’s a have to strengthen coordination between central and state management, and he can be properly positioned to do this,” a pacesetter near him stated.

Whether or not this renewed political engagement will bear fruit stays to be seen. “That can rely fully on the function he chooses to tackle sooner or later,” the MLA stated.

(Edited by Viny Mishra)

---

Additionally learn: Zero income & no operations, however Parth Pawar’s Amadea Enterprises entered right into a Rs 300-crore deal

---