‘Secret meetings’ between Sharad, Ajit Pawar matter of concern: Maharashtra Congress chief

Congress does not approve of “secret meetings” taking place between Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar, who are now in rival political camps, and it is a matter of concern for the party, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has said.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance that also includes Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, while Ajit split the NCP last month to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena-BJP government.

Asked by reporters on Tuesday (August 15) about Pawar senior meeting Ajit in Pune on Saturday, Patole said, “It is a matter of concern for us, and we do not approve of the meetings taking place between the Pawars secretly.”

He added that the matter will, however, be discussed by the top Congress leaders. “The (Opposition) INDIA alliance will also discuss it; so, it would not be appropriate for me to discuss it further,” he said.

“Won’t deviate from path”

Patole said the Congress has decided to join hands with everyone who is willing to oppose the BJP. “There is no grain of truth in the speculation that the Congress is thinking of contesting the Lok Sabha elections without taking Sharad Pawar along,” he stated.

Sharad Pawar, however, has said some people in the party have taken a different path, but “once they realise the situation, their stand may change.” He told a gathering in his hometown Baramati, “Whether they change their stand or not, we will not deviate from the path we have chosen.”

“I have told Maharashtra (voters) to vote for someone. And now, I cannot tell them to vote for someone we have opposed all along,” he added.

Sharad Pawar announced he will be holding a public rally in Beed on Thursday.

(With agency inputs)