Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), unequivocally asserted that his party would not entertain the idea of forming an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), even in the face of pressure from certain ‘well-wishers’ who are attempting to sway his stance. Pawar emphasized that aligning with the BJP would not align with the NCP’s political principles.
Speaking to the press in Sangola, located in the Solapur district of Maharashtra, Pawar firmly stated that any collaboration with the BJP would be incongruent with the NCP’s political trajectory. As the national president of the NCP, Pawar made it clear that such an alliance was out of the question.
“As the national president of the NCP, I am making it clear that my party (NCP) will not go with the BJP. Any association with the Bharatiya Janata Party does not fit in NCP’s political policy,” he emphasized.
Pawar also alluded to a faction within the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, his nephew, which holds a different stance on the matter. He noted that some ‘well-wishers’ have been engaging in discussions to explore the potential for a change in the faction’s standpoint. However, Pawar refrained from disclosing specific names involved in these discussions.
Addressing questions regarding a ‘secret’ meeting he had with Ajit Pawar in Pune on the preceding day, Sharad Pawar clarified that the meeting was simply a family interaction between an uncle and a nephew. He highlighted the natural inclination for family members to meet and engage in conversations.
“I want to tell you a fact that he is my nephew. What is wrong with meeting my nephew? If a senior person in a family desires to meet another family member, there should not be any issue with that,” Pawar affirmed.
Furthermore, Pawar conveyed his belief that the people would entrust the governance of the state to the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, comprised of the Shiv Sena, the NCP (under the Sharad Pawar group), and the Congress. This collective coalition continues to be an influential political force in the region.
Interestingly, Sharad Pawar was seen sharing the stage with Devendra Fadnavis, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a leader of the BJP. The occasion marked the unveiling of the statue of the late MLA Ganpatrao Deshmukh in Solapur district, a gesture that underlines the complexity and nuances of political dynamics even amidst differing party affiliations.
Pawar’s steadfast rejection of a BJP alliance and his emphasis on the NCP’s distinct political identity highlight the party’s commitment to its principles. The deliberations and conversations taking place within the party reveal the intricacies of political decision-making, as leaders grapple with the pursuit of shared goals while navigating differing perspectives.
