Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) patron Sharad Pawar has clarified his recent statement about Ajit Pawar being the leader of the party. He stated that he had not actually expressed any such views and that it was Supriya Sule, his daughter, who made that remark. This U-turn comes after media coverage and speculation about a potential split within the party.
Sharad Pawar addressed the situation by saying, “I am not saying that Ajit Pawar is our leader. Supriya Sule had said that. They are like siblings and there is no need to look for a political meaning behind this. I did not say that Ajit Pawar is our leader.”
He further emphasized that the media had misconstrued the situation and attributed a statement to him that was actually made by Supriya Sule. He reiterated that Ajit Pawar’s recent actions have distanced him from the party’s leadership role.
Ajit Pawar and eight other NCP MLAs had previously joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra, causing upheaval within the party. Ajit Pawar became the Deputy Chief Minister alongside BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis. However, there have been rumors and speculations that Ajit Pawar might be considering a return to the NCP.
The situation has prompted Sharad Pawar to clarify the party’s stance on the matter. He denied any split within the NCP and explained that a split typically involves a significant group breaking away from the party at the national level, which has not occurred.
In recent developments, some of the leaders who joined Ajit Pawar’s faction and shifted to the Shiv Sena-BJP government are reportedly under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Sharad Pawar pointed out that this investigation has prompted some individuals to change their allegiance, stating, “Some of them did not want to face investigation.”
Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, has also asserted that there is no split within the NCP. She clarified that while a group of nine MLAs and two MPs took a different path, the party leadership under Sharad Pawar remains intact.
The ongoing political developments and meetings have generated considerable interest and speculation, with rumors circulating about Ajit Pawar’s potential return to the NCP. However, as of now, the party leadership is working to maintain unity and clarity in its stance, while also addressing the investigations involving certain members of the party.