‘‘I get angry at people who touch the feet of politicians. Are there any netas worth that respect,’’ asks Ajit Pawar (45), Sharad Pawar’s heir apparent. ‘‘You respect them but don’t bow down like this. I often shout at people who do it. Now, does that mean I am arrogant,’’ he asks.In political circles, he is seen as Pawar’s successor. In the NCP, those who hate him feel he has climbed the ladder because of his uncle. On a quiet evening, The Indian Express met Pawar at his private office in Deogiri, his official bungalow at Malabar Hill. Clad in a biege cotton shirt and navy blue jeans, a relaxed Pawar answered some uncomfortable questions.‘‘Was it possible for me to sustain myself for so long if I did not have any qualities,’’ asks the Minister for Water Resources (Irrigation) in the DF government.At 24, he was busy cultivating sugarcane and running a poultry farm. Then in the late 80s, Pawar successfully contested the elections for a local cooperative sugar factory. His political career took off when he became a Lok Sabha MP in 1991. Pawar has always been in the ministry since then, barring a five-year gap during the Sena-BJP rule.So, wasn’t he promoted by his uncle? ‘‘Yes, I was pushed initially. But once I was there, I had to prove myself,’’ says Pawar.In government circles, he is called a ruthless administrator. ‘‘Efficient officers make a lot of difference. I stand behind them, encourage them and then reap the results.’’He does not hide his displeasure at his ministerial colleagues who take interest in administrative transfers.‘‘Let efficient officers be there. After all, results matter. Who is going to care if you are not in power tomorrow? At least people should remember you for doing something good,’’ says Pawar.He is often compared to his uncle, something Pawar does not like. ‘‘Let’s be frank about it. My style of functioning is different from that of saheb. Everyone cannot become Sharad Pawar,’’ he says.On politics, Pawar has some very clear thoughts. ‘‘We are no saints. We are in politics for power. But once we are in the government, we must have an agenda. Why should people elect you if you enjoy power but do little for them?’’ asks Pawar.Does he covet the chief minister’s post? ‘‘Everybody in politics wants to be chief minister. But then, everything has its own time,’’ he says.
