Sharad Pawar Rebukes Fadnavis Over NCP Merger Remarks
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) president Sharad Pawar launched a sharp critique against Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, asserting that the CM had "no right" to speak about the potential merger of the two NCP factions. Pawar emphasized that Fadnavis was not part of the crucial discussions that took place between the parties.
"Why Is Fadnavis Taking My Name?"
During a press interaction in Baramati, Pawar questioned Fadnavis's involvement, stating, "Why is Fadnavis taking my name? He was nowhere during the discussions on the merger. And therefore he has no right to speak about it." He clarified that the talks were primarily conducted by the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil from the NCP (SP) side, focusing on reunification efforts.
This statement comes after Pawar's announcement last week that both NCP factions were set to declare their merger on February 12. However, Fadnavis later dismissed these claims, arguing that if Ajit Pawar had been engaged in such advanced talks, he would have informed the BJP leadership. "Ajit Pawar used to share everything with me," Fadnavis had remarked, casting doubt on the merger's progress.
Pawar Addresses Sunetra Pawar's Oath and Plane Crash Speculation
In the same press conference, Pawar addressed other pressing political matters. Regarding Sunetra Pawar taking oath as Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, he expressed happiness but chose not to elaborate further. "She has taken oath... I am happy. Our main aim now is to support each other and move ahead. We have not spoken to anyone about the political situation... If Sunetra Pawar comes to meet me, I will bless her happily," he stated.
On the speculation surrounding sabotage in the plane crash that led to Ajit Pawar's tragic death, Pawar adopted a cautious stance. He emphasized that without authentic information, he would not raise unnecessary doubts. "Till I get authentic information, I will not unnecessarily raise any doubts," he affirmed, also denying knowledge of any memorial plans for his late nephew.
Missing the Union Budget After 58 Years
Pawar also reflected on a personal milestone, revealing that he missed the Union Budget presentation for the first time in 58 years due to Ajit Pawar's accident. "In the last 58 years, I had never missed the Budget. I could not go to the Parliament during the Budget presentation because of Ajit Pawar's tragic accident," he shared, highlighting the emotional impact of the loss on his parliamentary duties.
The press conference underscored the ongoing tensions within Maharashtra's political landscape, with Pawar's remarks signaling a firm stance against external commentary on internal party matters. As merger talks remain a focal point, his statements aim to clarify the roles and boundaries in these delicate negotiations.
