Ajit Pawar Says Split With Sharad Pawar Was for Maharashtra’s ‘Stability and Progress’
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday reiterated that his decision to part ways with his uncle Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and align with the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena coalition was aimed at ensuring “stability and progress” in the state.
Speaking at the NCP Chintan Shivir in Nagpur, Ajit Pawar said, “I did not take this step for power or position. I did it to bring stability and development to Maharashtra.” He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying they had always supported his demands for Maharashtra’s development.
Ajit Pawar had broken away from the undivided NCP in 2023 after openly questioning his uncle’s continued leadership despite his advancing age. He had pointed out that many political parties, including the BJP, had age limits for leadership roles.
“Your age is 83, will you ever stop or not? You should also give new people a chance. If we make mistakes, guide us. Give us your blessings,” he had said in a sharp public outburst. Sharad Pawar, unfazed at the time, had hit back: “I am still effective, whether I am 82 or 92.”
The split marked one of the most dramatic political realignments in Maharashtra, with Ajit Pawar joining the BJP-Shiv Sena government as Deputy CM.
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