Supriya Sule is bhabhi Sunetra's pillar as family mourns Ajit Pawar
India Today
Supriya Sule took on the role of a protector, guarding Sunetra Pawar, during the funeral of his cousin Ajit Pawar. The sisters-in-law presented a picture of unity, portraying that regardless of the difference in political ideologies, they represent a family first.
Amid a sea of supporters chanting 'Ajit Dada amar rahein' in Baramati, a picture of a fractured family coming together shone. Despite political differences, on stage there was a devastated wife with her sister-in-law, standing guard, shielding her from the sudden limelight. As Sunetra Pawar understandably struggled to control her emotions, her sister-in-law Supriya Sule was there as her pillar. The message was clear, they may belong to different sides of alliances in Maharashtra, but they were a family first.
Ajit Pawar died in an aircraft crash on Wednesday along with four others on board, including both pilots. He was heading to Baramati to attend public meetings ahead of the zilla parished elections at the time of the accident. The 67-year-old was the sitting Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra along with Eknath Shinde, and his death sent shockwaves across the western state as well as the country. A tragedy in general and a heartbreak for the family.
Supriya Sule quickly took on the role of the protector and was seen on Thursday, supervising all preparations for her cousin Ajit Dada's funeral. The scenes were similar on Wednesday as well, when she was seen accompanying Sunetra Pawar and her sons, Jay and Parth Pawar, to the hospital to identify Ajit Pawar's body. Sunetra walked slowly, clearly shattered by suddenly losing her husband. Supriya put an arm around her nanad, matched her pace in respect, only to break down uncontrollably at the entrance of the hospital.
The image tore apart the political rift in the Pawar family. It was solely about a woman absorbing the harsh reality of the untimely demise of her cousin. Sule's father, Pawar family patriarch, was also emotional. He rejected Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's conspiracy claims over Ajit Pawar's death, urging that no politics should be brought into the matter. His message was also clear: no political crack was superior to the family.
His daughter made sure the family's daughter-in-law was not alone in the tragedy. Ajit Pawar broke away from uncle Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party to align with the BJP in 2023. The Mahayuti alliance lost the Lok Sabha elections to the Mahagathbandhan, featuring Sharad Pawar's NCP. The split led to tension, but not today. Supriya Sule guided Sunetra Pawar, hugged nephew and Ajit Pawar's elder son Parth and kept an assuring hand over the ex-Maharashtra Deputy CM's youngest, Jay, as he sobbed during the last rites.
The images were normal for any Indian family. And by embracing normalcy, the sisters-in-law established the message that political tension cannot substitute familial bonds.
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