Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, has shed light on the rationale behind his faction’s collaboration with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance, emphasizing the objective of addressing the state’s challenges. Speaking at a public rally in Beed, Pawar underscored the transient nature of political alliances while highlighting the imperative to serve the people of Maharashtra.
In his address, Ajit Pawar emphasized, “We have joined Mahayuti (Ajit Pawar’s alliance with BJP, Shinde-led Sena) to solve the problems of the people. We took this decision for the development of the state. In politics, there are no permanent enemies and no permanent friends. We want to tell everyone in Maharashtra that even though we are in the Mahayuti alliance, it is our duty to protect people of all castes and religions.”
The decision to align with the BJP-Sena coalition is driven by the shared commitment to advancing the welfare of the state’s populace. Recognizing the dynamic nature of political affiliations, Pawar’s statement reflects the essence of pragmatic governance, transcending ideological boundaries to effectively address the state’s issues.
Pawar further underscored the enduring dedication to the agrarian sector, asserting, “We will always work for the benefit of the farmers. Farming does not happen without water in the fields. I have done a lot of work when I was the Water Resources in the state.” This commitment to the farming community resonates with the need to secure the foundation of Maharashtra’s economy and ensure the well-being of its farmers.
Ajit Pawar’s proactive approach to problem-solving was evident in his instructions to State Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde to engage with key central leaders in Delhi regarding the onion issue in the state. Addressing the recent concerns surrounding onion exports, Pawar highlighted the proactive measures undertaken to address the situation.
“When the onion issue came up, many people got calls. The opposition always gives wrong information. I asked Dhananjay to go to Delhi. Dhananjay went and requested maximum help. Home Minister Amit Shah immediately bought 2 lakh metric tonnes of onion at ₹24 per kg,” he stated, exemplifying a swift and collaborative approach to challenges.
The recent decision by the Central government to impose a 40% export duty on onions ignited debates about its impact on the farming community. Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole characterized this move as “anti-farmer,” asserting concerns about the viability of such a duty.
“They are lying to our farmers. My question is to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Piyush Goyal, Why do you raise the export tax? Onions get stale and if the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India doesn’t buy them immediately, farmers will be at a loss,” Patole countered, highlighting the potential repercussions on farmers.
This contentious issue prompted onion farmers in Maharashtra’s Nashik district to stage a protest, further underscoring the significance of decisions surrounding agricultural produce. The debate surrounding the export duty underscores the complexity of policy decisions and their potential implications on various sectors.
Ajit Pawar’s elucidation of the decision to collaborate with the BJP-Sena alliance offers insights into the pragmatic considerations that guide political choices. The emphasis on problem-solving and the welfare of the state’s populace reflects the essence of responsible governance, transcending political affiliations to address pressing challenges effectively.
In conclusion, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s explanation for joining the BJP-Sena government alliance in Maharashtra highlights the paramount importance of serving the state’s citizens and solving their problems. The decision underscores the transient nature of political alliances and the necessity to work across party lines to achieve developmental goals. Pawar’s emphasis on inclusivity, particularly in protecting people of all castes and religions, emphasizes the commitment to a harmonious and thriving Maharashtra.
