Ajit Pawar gives a miss to 3 key events in 2 days, decides to rest

On Sunday, Bhagwat was in Thane, the hometown of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, to lay the foundation stone of Dharmveer Anand Dighe Cancer Hospital. The programme was attended by Shinde, deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Pawar’s name was mentioned in the programme’s invitation card. He, however, did not attend the programme.

Later in the evening, Pawar who also handled the finance portfolio, was to attend a meeting with World Bank executive directors.

The state finance department did a presentation at the meeting regarding the projects being undertaken by the government with the help of World Bank, of which many are undergoing while some are completed. Pawar was named as the keynote speaker. He, however, did not turn up for the programme.

When enquired with the CM office, no reason was given for the absence of Pawar from both the events. The office, however, informed that he had been continuously working for three months without a break. “He chose to rest for three days as the recent developments have taken a mental toll on him. Any assumption otherwise should not be entertained,” said his office, without divulging details about his whereabouts.

Before his rebellion against uncle and NCP president Sharad Pawar, he had gone incommunicado for more than twice, fuelling suspicion about his next move.

Pawar’s office, however, confirmed that he will be attending the program of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Pune on Tuesday.