Actor Sayaji Shinde Meets Sunetra and Sharad Pawar; Calls for NCP Unity

Pune, 9th February 2026: Actor Sayaji Shinde on Sunday, February 8, met Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, to offer his condolences following Pawar’s death in a plane crash. Shinde later also met senior NCP leader Sharad Pawar and held discussions with him.

Speaking to the media after the meetings, Shinde said the loss of Ajit Pawar has deeply affected Maharashtra. He said he found it difficult to express himself while meeting Sunetra Pawar and described the moment as emotionally overwhelming.

Shinde said he believes that, in the interest of Maharashtra, the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) should come together. He noted that discussions about unity had taken place earlier as well and said such a move would strengthen the party and help fulfil Ajit Pawar’s vision for the state.

He added that the current atmosphere of grief has made it difficult for people to speak openly, but stressed that unity would provide stability to Maharashtra’s politics in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Rohit Pawar, an MLA from the Sharad Pawar faction, has hinted at a major announcement, stating that he will address the media at a press conference scheduled for the 12th of this month. At the same time, Sunil Shelke, a leader from the Ajit Pawar faction, has suggested that discussions regarding a possible merger may already have taken place between members of the Pawar family and leaders of the Sharad Pawar–led NCP.