Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about a potential rift within the NCP-BJP alliance with his recent statements. His remarks come on the heels of his absence from Home Minister Amit Shah’s events in Mumbai, where Shah visited the residences of Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to participate in Lord Ganesh festivities.
Addressing a program in Pune, Ajit Pawar expressed uncertainty about his political tenure, stating, “Today, I have the responsibility of the Finance Department, but I can’t say whether it will be there tomorrow or not.” This statement added fuel to existing speculations about his Chief Ministerial aspirations and the dynamics within the alliance.
Pawar also emphasized that he would accept the “final” decision of the Election Commission regarding the NCP’s name and poll symbol, which has been a subject of dispute within the party. This issue has contributed to ongoing tension between NCP and BJP leaders.
Despite his candid remarks, Ajit Pawar dismissed reports of an imminent administrative reshuffle, asserting, “There is no truth in this news…I think only about development.”
His absence from Amit Shah’s Mumbai events had raised questions, especially considering the timing and political context. Pawar clarified that he had prior commitments in Baramati, which necessitated his absence from Shah’s programs. He had informed Amit Shah’s office about these prior engagements.
Furthermore, Ajit Pawar touched upon the issue of Muslim reservation in the state, noting that Maharashtra’s government consists of three parties. He explained that while reservations had been granted for education, employment reservations were a more complex issue that required attention and deliberation among the coalition’s leaders.
Pawar expressed his commitment to addressing the matter, stating, “This is the government of three parties. So I will keep this issue before the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, and we will try to find a solution for it.”
The statements made by Ajit Pawar have added an intriguing layer to the political landscape in Maharashtra. The uncertainty surrounding his political future and the ongoing discussions within the NCP-BJP alliance leave room for further speculation about the state’s governance and the dynamics between the coalition partners.