Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar sought to dispel speculation surrounding his early exit from a recent state cabinet meeting, stating that there is no unrest within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Speaking at a press conference while welcoming actor Sayaji Shinde into the NCP, Pawar clarified that his departure was due to a prior commitment in Ahmedpur, Marathwada.
“I had to leave early for a scheduled program in Ahmedpur,” Pawar explained, adding that he had given his approval for all decisions made during the cabinet meeting in his absence. His early exit had raised eyebrows, particularly as significant financial decisions were made afterward, despite him being the finance minister.
Addressing the rumors of discord, Pawar firmly stated, “All is well, and speculation about any dispute is baseless.” He dismissed any notion of tension within the alliance or the cabinet.
Pawar also emphasized that the state cabinet has the authority to override objections from any department, including his finance department, when it comes to populist schemes ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. This remark came in light of concerns about several financial decisions being made without his presence.
On the topic of seat-sharing among Mahayuti alliance partners, Pawar assured that discussions are progressing smoothly. “We will announce the outcome when we feel ready,” he said. When asked whether he would contest from his traditional Baramati constituency, he remained non-committal, stating, “Seat-sharing is yet to be done. We will decide after the Baramati seat is allotted to us.”
In addition, Pawar revealed that actor Sayaji Shinde would serve as the NCP’s star campaigner for the upcoming elections, hinting that more prominent figures are expected to join the party in phases. This move is seen as part of NCP’s efforts to bolster its electoral strength ahead of the assembly elections.
