The Pawar gambit: Why did the Maratha strongman come to Adani's defence?

It may be too early to say that the political chameleon from Maharashtra is changing colours again

Maharashtra strongman Sharad Pawar surprised everyone by breaking ranks with the Opposition in defending controversial businessman Gautam Adani. He has distanced himself, though not his party, from the demand of 19 Opposition parties for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) inquiry into the Adani affairs.

Even as he may be exploring an alternative political future, the timing of his TV interview suggests that he wants to keep one foot in the door for Opposition unity. Had Pawar spoken up before the Budget Session of Parliament concluded, he would have handed the BJP a hammer to beat the Opposition with.

His interviewer described him