Ajit Pawar Observes Reduced Tensions Within NCP After Pune Civic Poll Alliance
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar acknowledged on Tuesday that the bitterness between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party has significantly subsided. This change followed their decision to form an alliance for the upcoming elections to the Pune Municipal Corporation and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, Pawar stated that this partnership has made the contest against the Bharatiya Janata Party much tighter.
Hints at Possible Reunion with Sharad Pawar
Ajit Pawar indicated the possibility of a future reunion with his uncle, veteran leader Sharad Pawar. He emphasized his belief in the politics of "addition, not subtraction." While confirming that no direct discussions have taken place with Pawar Senior on this matter, he remarked, "There are no permanent enemies in politics." He also spoke about following his uncle's renowned style of working and addressed the current state of relations with his Mahayuti allies.
The Deputy CM insisted that the ties between the ruling coalition partners remain unaffected. This is despite the criticism they exchanged during the recent election campaign. He conducted the interview in Pune, covering a wide range of pressing political issues.
Key Excerpts from the Interview
On the Continuation of the NCP Alliance Post-Elections:
"I have not thought about it right now," said Ajit Pawar. "However, when such an alliance happens, it automatically helps reduce the bitterness on both sides. There have been no adverse remarks against each other from either group after the alliance was formed."
On Discussions with Sharad Pawar Regarding Alliance or Merger:
"There has been no discussion with Pawar Saheb at all," he clarified. "But I want to make it clear that there are no permanent enemies in politics."
On Opposition Allegations of Match-Fixing with BJP:
Pawar firmly denied these claims. "That is not at all true. There is no match-fixing between us and the BJP. They are trying to strengthen their party and I am doing the same for mine. I see nothing wrong in that. When I take up a task, I complete it with full dedication, which is what I am doing in this election."
On Mahayuti Partners Contesting Separately:
He attributed this decision to the Chief Minister. "The BJP already had a significant number in both civic bodies, making adjustments difficult. Had talks between BJP and Shiv Sena failed earlier, we might have secured Shinde's party on our side. An alliance between the two NCPs and Shiv Sena could have increased our seat count, considering past margins."
On Inter-Alliance Criticism During Polls:
"I don't think it will affect the state alliance," Pawar stated. "Even the BJP and Shiv Sena criticized each other during elections but ultimately came together."
On Poll Assessment for PMC and PCMC:
"Many initially thought it was a one-sided contest favoring the BJP. Now, they admit the contest is getting tighter between BJP and the allied NCPs. Residents are not only listening but responding positively. I did not see this kind of response during the Lok Sabha campaign."
On Whether the Response is Due to the NCP Alliance:
"Yes. NCP supporters always preferred Pawar Saheb first. A section also likes my working style. Our split divided supporters. Now, with the alliance, both sections have reunited, which will naturally benefit us."
On Reduction of Bitterness Among Party Workers:
"Party workers from both sides are responsible for bringing us together. My section convinced me to ally with them. Similarly, workers from the other group conveyed the same message to their seniors. Thanks to them, we discussed the alliance and seat-sharing."
On Who Initiated Alliance Talks:
Pawar explained, "Based on party workers' opinions, I met seniors from the other side, including Supriya Sule, Rohit Pawar, and Amol Kolhe. Later, our city unit office-bearers held meetings and finalized the alliance."
On Impact of Functionaries Joining Other Parties:
"When many of my workers switched sides, I waited for the distribution of A and B forms. I hoped there were BJP workers preparing for years who might switch in anger if denied tickets. We gave tickets to such aspirants based on their winnability."
On Sharad Pawar's Influence on His Working Style:
"I was in Std III when Pawar Saheb became an MLA. I used to carry tea for his guests. Since then, I have observed his style. I was told that to succeed in politics, one must start the day early. I have followed this principle for over three decades. Pawar Saheb started this legacy; I am merely continuing it."
