Parth Pawar’s stand on Maratha reservation irks family elders

On Thursday, Parth, a NCP leader and grandnephew of party chief Sharad Pawar, had tweeted that he would approach the Supreme Court to file an intervention application seeking a vacation on the stay on Maratha reservation.

Parth Pawar, Parth Pawar on Maratha reservation, Maratha reservation, Maratha quota, India news, Indian Express

Parth, however, maintained that his father was not in disagreement.

A day after his son Parth Pawar announced that he will file an intervention plea in the Supreme Court over the stay on Maratha reservation, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said on Friday that everyone was free to think and tweet on any subject. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar also signalled his disapproval.

“My sister Supriya Sule has already made our stand clear and that is NCP’s stand as well. Be it Maratha, Dhangar or any other community, everyone should get their rightful reservation,” Ajit Pawar told reporters in Pune.

On Thursday, Parth, a NCP leader and grandnephew of party chief Sharad Pawar, had tweeted that he would approach the Supreme Court to file an intervention application seeking a vacation on the stay on Maratha reservation. The matter has been referred to a larger bench.

Sharad Pawar said that the state government has already approached the court seeking a vacation of the stay order. Speaking at Vasantdada Sugar Institute in Pune, he said: “The state government has already gone to the court on the reservation issue. If anyone else wants to approach the court, they can do so… 10 people can go to court. The NCP and Maharashtra government’s stand is to get the stay lifted.”

Asked about Parth’s plan, Ajit Pawar said, “Every time there is a tweet (from him), questions are thrown at me, but that is not my only business… I have several other responsibilities in the state…”

“Everyone is free to think what they want and tweet on any subject,” he said.

Parth, however, maintained that his father was not in disagreement. “He (Ajit Pawar) has never said he does not agree with my statement. He said reservations should be given to all communities in need. He said I have an independent stand and in a democracy, you are allowed to voice your opinion,” Parth told The Indian Express.

Story continues below this ad

Asked about political speculation that he was planning to join BJP, Parth said, “I have answered all your rumours. Can’t answer to any more of them.”

NCP state spokesperson Umesh Patil said the party stand on the issue had been very clear. “Our party leaders, Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule, have made it clear that the party does not agree with Parth’s statement.”

He said Parth’s entry into BJP was ‘impossible’. “It will never happen.”

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said he did not have “any clue” about the issue. But another Sena leader said it looked as if BJP was instigating Parth to make such statements.

Story continues below this ad

“I don’t think he can make such a statement on his own. I also don’t think Ajit Pawar is prompting him. Wait for some days, the truth will come out,” he said.

Senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, meanwhile, said, “Parth Pawar is speaking on issues that agitate the public mind. He is speaking on the ruthless attitude of the state government towards its own citizens.”

Asked whether Parth was set to join BJP, he added, “I can’t say anything for now…”

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram