Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar emphatically declared his party's unequivocal stance against any alignment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that such an association runs contrary to NCP's political principles. Speaking to journalists in Sangola, Solapur district, Pawar underlined that, as the NCP's national president, he stands resolute in maintaining a distance from the BJP, despite well-meaning advisors attempting to sway his position.
Acknowledging ongoing discussions within his party, Pawar unveiled his unwavering commitment to his decision, affirming that his NCP will never merge forces with the BJP. "While some within our ranks, led by Ajit Pawar, may have adopted a different stance, it's crucial to note that my standpoint remains unchanged. Attempts are being made by our supporters to facilitate dialogue, yet I want to make it clear that my resolve remains unwavering," Pawar emphasized, refraining from naming specific individuals involved in these discussions, according to PTI.
Responding to inquiries about a discreet meeting with his nephew and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who currently collaborates with the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government, the senior Pawar asserted his familial prerogative. "A family is entitled to interact and engage with its members, regardless of their differing political allegiances. There should be no ambiguity or controversy surrounding such interactions," Pawar maintained, clarifying his rationale behind the encounter.
Undeterred by recent political maneuvers, Sharad Pawar confidently asserted the eventual ascendancy of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, an alliance comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar group), and Congress. This assertion comes on the heels of a symbolic joint appearance by Pawar and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a BJP leader, as they unveiled a statue commemorating the late MLA Ganpatrao Deshmukh in Solapur district.
Notably, Ajit Pawar's recent induction as Deputy Chief Minister within the Shiv Sena-BJP administration and the subsequent oath-taking by eight supporting NCP MLAs as ministers have added an intriguing dimension to Maharashtra's political landscape. Amidst these intricate developments, Sharad Pawar remains steadfast in his commitment to uphold NCP's distinct political identity, rooted in principles that preclude alignment with the BJP.
