Devendra Fadnavis: Did Sharad Pawar approach BJP in 2019 for govt formation talks over fear of probe agencies

Devendra Fadnavis/ File Photo

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has raised intriguing questions regarding NCP chief Sharad Pawar's engagement with the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019. Fadnavis has publicly inquired whether Pawar's approach to the BJP back then was motivated by concerns about investigations by central probe agencies, a report in PTI stated.

This inquiry comes on the heels of Pawar's recent criticism of the rebel Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by his nephew, Ajit Pawar. The nephew, along with his faction, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra in July. Sharad Pawar remarked that those switching to the BJP had no genuine affiliation with the NCP and had done so primarily out of fear of investigation agencies.

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Responding to these assertions, Devendra Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader, contended that Sharad Pawar had actually indicated his willingness to collaborate with the BJP and form a government in Maharashtra in 2019. Sharad Pawar, however, has categorically denied Fadnavis' claim.

During an interaction with reporters at an event, Fadnavis queried, "I simply wish to know, did Sharad Pawar approach the BJP in 2019 because he feared the scrutiny of central probe agencies? Even in 2017, Pawar had deliberated the prospect of government formation with the BJP. He is fully aware of the reasons behind his party members switching sides."

Fadnavis emphasized the inappropriateness of levelling allegations against one's own party colleagues after they have changed allegiances.

Furthermore, Fadnavis reiterated a significant assertion: that the imposition of President's Rule in Maharashtra in 2019 was carried out with Sharad Pawar's consent. He stated, "It was Sharad Pawar who gave his consent for the imposition of President's Rule in Maharashtra... That's why the President's Rule was imposed in Maharashtra. Everything I've said is accurate."

In response to queries about the potential elevation of Ajit Pawar to the position of Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Fadnavis remarked, "Ajit Pawar is indeed a prominent leader, but it is important to remember that Eknath Shinde currently holds the position of Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Every politician harbours aspirations, but it is crucial to note that the upcoming elections will be contested under the leadership of Eknath Shinde."

In a remarkable political development after the 2019 elections, the then Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered the oath of office to Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister and Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister on November 23, 2019. However, this government's tenure was remarkably short-lived, lasting just 80 hours.

Fadnavis, addressing this episode in February of this year, disclosed that it had the backing of Sharad Pawar. He recounted, "The NCP made an offer that they needed a stable government and proposed that we should form such a government together. We agreed to initiate discussions. These discussions involved Sharad Pawar. Then circumstances changed." Sharad Pawar, however, vehemently denied Fadnavis' assertion.