New Delhi: Political and business leaders converged at the 6, Janpath residence of NCP–SP chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday for a private dinner held just days before the veteran politician turns 85. The informal gathering brought together public figures from across the political spectrum, highlighting the personal goodwill Pawar continues to command despite a fractious national political landscape.
Leaders across political lines attend
Among the attendees were Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, industrialist Gautam Adani and newly sworn-in Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
Ajit Pawar’s presence drew particular attention given his political split from his uncle earlier this year. The evening also saw participation from senior MPs such as Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy, BJP leader D Purandeswari and Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu.
Sharad Pawar, a four-time Maharashtra Chief Minister and former Union Defence and Agriculture Minister, will mark his 85th birthday on 12 December.
Focus on personal camaraderie, not politics
Attendees consistently maintained that the dinner was a purely social event. BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said the gathering should be viewed as part of a longstanding tradition of extending personal wishes to senior public figures. He emphasised that the event “was entirely private in nature” and carried “no political dimension”.
Congress leader Pawan Kheda echoed this sentiment, stressing the value of interpersonal ties that rise above political contests.
“Politics should not be everywhere. Society thrives on mutual relations. Society does not run on politics. Politics runs on society,” he said.
Leaders across parties expressed warm wishes for Pawar, acknowledging his decades-long influence on public life. JJP leader Dushyant Chautala also sent greetings, wishing the veteran “good health and continued strength to contribute to national politics”.
A moment of pause amid political churn
The dinner served as a momentary pause from the intensely competitive political climate, illustrating how personal bonds continue to shape interactions among India’s top leaders. With Pawar approaching a milestone birthday, the gathering symbolised respect for his long public life and his ability to draw leaders from divergent political camps under one roof.