Ajit Pawar recalls uncle Sharad Pawar's role in leading NCP

Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP (Ajit) leader Ajit Pawar addresses during the NCP`s Foundation Day programme. Pic/PTI

Using the party's foundation day platform NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday congratulated his estranged uncle Sharad Pawar for steering the party since its creation in 1999, only days after the NCP suffered a resounding defeat in the Lok Sabha election.

Addressing a party function in Mumbai, Ajit Pawar reaffirmed the NCP's stance of refusing to accept anything less than a Cabinet position in Narendra Modi's 3.0 government, reported PTI.

Ajit Pawar said, "We made it clear to the BJP that we will not accept any post lower than the Cabinet portfolio. They told us that they need to give Cabinet posts to many of its constituents."

In an apparent attempt to allay concerns of the NCP's unhappiness with the Cabinet slot allotment, he continued, "We are still a part of the NDA." He further said that the NDA's present strength of 284 would reach 300 in the following months.

In the recent general elections, the NCP under Ajit Pawar won only one of the four seats it fought, while the opposition faction led by Sharad Pawar won eight of the 10 seats it contested.

Notably, Sunetra Pawar, Ajit's wife, lost to her sister-in-law and current MP Supriya Sule in Baramati, a Pawar stronghold.

"I wish to thank Sharad Pawar for leading the party for the last 24 years, along with those who have remained with it since its inception," Ajit Pawar stated.

He asserted that during the elections, the opposition attempted to construct a negative narrative about the NCP and the government, according to the reports from PTI.

In July 2023, Ajit Pawar split the NCP, which was formed by Sharad Pawar, and joined the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition in Maharashtra.

"I can assure everyone that our ideology is based on the teachings of Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar," said the deputy chief minister.

Reflecting on the NCP's electoral defeat, Ajit Pawar emphasized that internal concerns must be addressed, and certain areas must be improved.

He acknowledged that party leader Sunil Tatkare's victory in the Raigad Lok Sabha seat helped to maintain the NCP's image.

He highlighted TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar as instances of how they use their influence to help their respective states.

Commenting on the Lok Sabha election results in rural Maharashtra, he stated that the onion issue had brought tears to many people's eyes, as reported by PTI, referring to the Central government's temporary restriction on onion exports.

"With the exception of Jalgaon and Raver Lok Sabha seats, the NDA lost all rural constituencies, causing discontent among onion growers. "We must also address such issues," he added.