By Admin 
These days, a word ‘Pawar Play’ is once again in discussion in Maharashtra politics. Sharad Pawar, who had distanced himself from political statements for many days, has suddenly become active again after the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. His move on the pretext of Baramati and Neera rivers indicates that he is still fully present in the politics of power and organization.
Sharad Pawar, known as Chanakya of Maharashtra politics, has made very effective use of visuals and symbols in politics in the last 50 years. It is said that a picture says a thousand words, and Pawar has been a master of this art. The same was seen in the recent developments, when he distanced himself from the municipal elections citing illness, but came forward again at the right time.
His sudden return to the TV screen and his arrival in Baramati soon after was not just a matter of family mourning. According to ADTV reports, this was a deliberate step, which gave a message in the political circles that the leadership has not come to naught. His presence in Baramati, considered the Pawar family stronghold, signaled continuity.
What message did the Neera River visit convey?
Sharad Pawar’s visit to the banks of river Neera was, on paper, a review of environment and pollution. He expressed displeasure over the poor condition of the river and demanded immediate action. But for experienced political observers the meaning of this visit was much deeper.
Through this presence, Pawar made it clear that even after the death of Ajit Pawar, Baramati has not become ‘orphaned’. This was a clear message to the political machinery of the state that they are not only active but also have the ability to set the direction in the future political transition. This is the same old Pawar playbook, which has improved with time.
Sharad Pawar has been like this!
This is not the first time that Sharad Pawar has taken such a step. They have been justifying themselves earlier also through such political symbols. Be it his participation in the ‘Jackstay’ exercise in the Arabian Sea when he was Defense Minister in the 1990s or his emotional speech given while drenched in rain in Satara, a strong image was created every time.
That rally in Satara, when the party was going through a period of disintegration, again strengthened the NCP in a wave of sympathy and later laid the foundation of Mahavikas Aghadi. Today, amid the demise of Ajit Pawar and the possible reunification of NCP, the visit to Neera river is the latest continuation of the same strategy.