Happy that PM Modi has absolved some NCP colleagues of corruption: Sharad Pawar

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday said a decision has to be taken on those who violated the party line and joined the Eknath Shinde government, indicating that action would be initiated against Ajit Pawar and other leaders who became part of the ruling dispensation.

In a surprising move, Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister, while eight of his party MLAs took oath as ministers in the BJP-Shiv Sena government earlier in the day.

Addressing a press conference in Pune, Sharad Pawar said the party did not endorse Ajit Pawar’s action and it was his individual decision. His press conference came minutes after Ajit Pawar claimed that he had the support and the blessing of all behind joining hands with the Shinde-Fadnavis government.

Also read: Major jolt to NCP as Ajit Pawar rebels, sworn in as Deputy CM of Maharashtra

Takes jibe at PM Modi

In an apparent jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, “Two days ago the PM had said about NCP…He had said two things in his statement that NCP is a finished party. He mentioned irrigation complaints and allegations of corruption. I’m happy that some of my colleagues have taken oath. From this (joining the NDA government) it is clear that all the charges have been cleared. I am thankful to him.”

#WATCH | This is not 'googly', it is a robbery. It is not a small thing, says NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Ajit Pawar joining the NDA government in Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/uH4xqejsKs

— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2023

Pawar said his endeavour after this development would be to travel as much as possible within the state as well as the country, and build relations with people. Pawar said he would not fight over anyone saying anything by taking the NCP’s name, but would go to people instead. When being asked about who will be the reliable face of the party, Sharad Pawar raised his hand and said “Sharad Pawar” with a smile on his face.

“Those who violated the party line and took oath, a decision has to be taken on them,” he said. He said some party leaders were nervous about probes by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and named Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse-Patil and Hasan Mushrif.

Also read: Ambitious Ajit Pawar’s rebellion delivers NCP a shocker in 2019 midnight coup rerun

Action against Patel?

Pawar hinted at the possibility of initiating action against NCP working president Praful Patel and national treasurer Sunil Tatkare. “Being the president, I had appointed Patel and Tatkare, but they did not follow their responsibilities. Therefore, I have to take some action against them,” he said. Praful Patel was present at Ajit Pawar’s swearing-in and also at the press conference after that. The NCP chief made it clear that he won’t fight with Ajit Pawar over election symbol, but will go to the people.

Pawar said he was not bothered that people have left, but he was worried about their future. “Today’s episode (on his party MLAs joining the Shinde government) may be new for others, but not for me. The party I was leading in 1980 had 58 MLAs, later all left and only 6 MLAs left, but I strengthened the numbers and those who left me lost in their constituencies,” said the NCP patriarch.

Pawar said he has received support from leaders of various Opposition parties. “Got a call from Mamata Banerjee and Mallikarjun Kharge. They have extended their support. There is no problem if someone is claiming ownership over NCP. We will go to the people and seek their support. I am confident they will support us. Tomorrow, I will take the blessings of former CM YB Chavan and will hold a public meeting,” he said.

(With agency inputs)