Pawar Vs Pawar: Nephew seems to be gaining control

Breakaway Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday revealed his desire to become chief minister.

It happened during the rival meetings conducted by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar groups in an apparent attempt at show of strength.

For now, it seems Ajit Pawar has gained an upper hand over his uncle with 29 MLAs and 5 MLCs attending the meeting held by the breakaway group of NCP at MET Audiotorium in Bandra.

On the other hand, only 14 MLAs, one independent and two MLCs and four MPs attended the meeting organized by Sharad Pawar’s group at Y B Chavan Auditorium. Another 10 MLAs refrained from attending the meeting conducted by both the groups.

Speaking on the occasion, Ajit Pawar said Sharad Pawar was their leader, guru and god. “We seek his blessings. But you are aware of the ongoing politics in the country. We wish to work for SC, ST, OBC and minorities. I have some ideas for the development of the state. I want to become the chief minister”, he said addressing the participants and added that Sharad Pawar is his inspiration.

At the same time, Ajit Pawar made some serious allegations against his uncle. NCP held five rounds of discussion before striking alliance with Shiv Sena. “After Shiv Sena and BJP parted ways, we held discussions with BJP. I don’t know what transpired later, but Sharad Pawar told me that NCP is going with Shivsena.

“NCP MLAs wanted to strike alliance with BJP when Eknath Shinde revolted against Shiv Sena. We have collected the signatures of MLAs and requested Sharad Pawar to honour our opinion. It seemed he accepted it and even asked me to speak to BJP leaders over phone. But later he backtracked. Let him say this is not true. I am in possession of the copies of the papers containing the signatures of the MLAs. Yet, I am being projected as villain”, Ajit Pawar said.

Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar faction approached the Election Commission and submitted an affidavit stating that they have the support of 40 MLAs. Hence, the group sought to recognize it as actual NCP and allot the party symbol for the breakaway faction of Ajit Pawar.