Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday met Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo and his uncle Sharad Pawar in Pune. The meeting between the two leaders has sparked a buzz of potential political collaboration. Ajit Pawar rebelled against his uncle and joined the Eknath Shinde government on July 2.
The meeting took place at the residence of businessman Atul Chordia in Koregaon Park, Pune. Pune-based businessman Atul Chordia is considered to be close to the Pawar family.
Reliable sources have conveyed that the two leaders held a meeting and engaged in discussions for a duration of thirty minutes. Reportedly, Jayant Patil was also present during the meeting.
Agenda of meeting
In recent days, there has been speculation about a potential reconciliation between the factions led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar.
The exact reasons and details behind this meeting have not yet been fully revealed or understood. The purpose and topics of discussion in this meeting are not disclosed. However, according to sources, both the leaders had discussions about Nawab Malik's bail, Ajit Pawar's participation in the NDA meeting, and some issues related to the party. Since then, political circles in Maharashtra are rife with speculations about growing restlessness among MLAs who are in the Sharad Pawar camp.
Ajit Pawar attempted to persuade Sharad Pawar
If sources are to be believed, Ajit Pawar attempted to convince Sharad Pawar to join the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) through Jayant Patil. However, Sharad Pawar reportedly conveyed that if Jayant Patil also expressed interest in joining the government, the situation might arise where those who wish to leave cannot align with the BJP.
Ajit Pawar and the BJP are making efforts to give a big blow to the MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) coalition and the I.N.D.I.A. alliance prior to the scheduled meeting of opposition parties in Mumbai on August 31t and September 1.
Jayant Patil is the President of the Maharashtra NCP. Jayant Patil's family is also under investigation by ED, there is speculation that Jayant Patil might also join the state government. However, Jayant Patil has repeatedly dismissed these speculations, but there are some hidden considerations within the NCP.
Ajit Pawar was in Pune today to mark the inauguration of the Chandni Chowk flyover in the city. After the program concluded, he directly reached the Circuit House. His belongings were kept at the Circuit House. However, he used his private car to reach the Koregaon Park area.
'Won't join hands with BJP'
Earlier, NCP supremo Pawar had assured the party workers that he will not join hands with BJP. Pawar had also urged his workers to continue to work for the party.
Previously, Ajit Pawar had visited Silver Oak to inquire about the well-being of his aunt, Pratibha Patil. During this visit, he also met his uncle, Sharad Pawar. Following this, in the month of July, Sharad Pawar, along with his ministers and MLAs, held a meeting with Ajit Pawar at the YB Chavan Center, attempting to convince him.
As a result of these meetings between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, tensions among MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) leaders have begun to escalate. Leaders from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena have expressed that Sharad Pawar should refrain from engaging in such political discussions that lead to confusion.
Maharashtra Congress President Nanan Patole said that Congress will take with it those who can fight against BJP. He mentioned that the party is not concerned about the interactions and activities within the NCP or who is meeting whom.
Now it remains to be observed whether the outcome of today's meeting will exert any influence on the NCP and the political landscape of the state.
Notably, Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs of NCP joined the Eknath Shinde-led state government last month. Later, Ajit Pawar was appointed Deputy Chief Minister and 8 other NCP MLAs take oath as Cabinet ministers.
