India, Nov. 1 -- NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Sunday refrained from directly opposing the proposed AI data centre and energy projects near the Ujani dam, saying that introducing artificial intelligence (AI) does not necessarily mean water resources will be exhausted. He stressed that water must be used carefully and said he would gather more information about the proposed projects before commenting further.

His remarks come days after his grandson and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, along with MP Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil and other leaders, led a road blockade at Madha against the proposed projects, claiming that they would affect agriculture, fishermen and the environment.

Speaking to reporters in Baramati on Sunday, Sharad Pawar said, "...