Sharad Pawar, Gopinath Munde bury hatchet

NCP president Sharad Pawar and BJP senior leader Gopinath Munde on Sunday buried their two-decade-old rivalry, thus signalling the beginning of a friendship for the welfare of Maharashtra. The picture of Pawar and Munde on same dais at Sangli district created a flutter in political circles.

What is more intriguing is Munde’s candid admission when he said he was willing to work with Pawar for the welfare of the oppressed tribals in the state. The image of Pawar and Munde locked in intense discussions has unsettled a section within the BJP.

Insiders indicated: “In politics nothing is impossible. We have to see whether NCP is working through Munde to keep its options open for larger political realignments at Centre. Or whether Munde, who is upset after being sidelined, is exploring options via NCP.”

NCP feels winning Munde would mean end to Pawar baiting. On its part, BJP fears Munde could be using the ploy to reassert his political identity. Officially, Pawar and Munde have given no clue as to where their partnership is heading. However, their body language clearly indicate that the rivalry has bloomed into friendship.