New Delhi: Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Friday sought to dispel rumours surrounding his early departure from a state cabinet meeting, saying that all is well within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and his own Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Speaking at a press conference after welcoming actor Sayaji Shinde into the NCP, Pawar was vague about his potential candidacy for the Baramati assembly seat, stating that a decision would be made once seat-sharing arrangements are finalised.
‘Left meeting for a scheduled programme’
“I had to leave early for a scheduled programme in Ahmedpur, located in the Marathwada region,” the NCP chief explained, news agency PTI reported. “I fully endorse all the cabinet decisions made yesterday,” he added. Pawar’s brief attendance at an important cabinet meeting in Mumbai on Thursday had raised eyebrows, especially as many financially important decisions were made during his absence, as he holds the finance portfolio. According to reports, 38 decisions, many with substantial financial implications, were taken in the over two hours long meeting.
“All is well, and speculation regarding disputes in the state cabinet is unfounded,” Pawar stated. “People are reading too much into this situation,” he remarked. He noted that the state cabinet has the authority to override objections from any department, particularly in response to critical comments from his own finance department regarding populist schemes introduced by the government ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, likely to be announced within a week.
‘Seat-sharing among alliance partners proceeding smoothly’
Pawar indicated that discussions on seat-sharing among the Mahayuti alliance partners are proceeding smoothly. “We will announce the outcome when we deem it appropriate,” he stated. When asked if he would stand for election from his current Baramati assembly seat, Pawar did not provide a clear answer. “The seat-sharing process is yet to be completed. Once the Baramati seat is allocated to us, we will make a decision,” he clarified.
Pawar’s wife, Sunetra, was defeated by his estranged cousin and leader of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Supriya Sule, in the recent Baramati Lok Sabha election. Pawar also mentioned that Sayaji Shinde will serve as the NCP’s star campaigner in the upcoming elections, adding, “More individuals are expected to join us, and this will occur in phases.”
