The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Sharad Pawar, the chief of the NCP-SCP, has publicly refuted claims made by NCP leader Praful Patel suggesting that he was once close to aligning with the BJP. At a press conference in Pune, Pawar clarified that despite Patel’s assertions, he has never joined forces with the BJP.
Patel had previously stated that Pawar was “50 percent ready” to ally with the BJP but withdrew at the last moment. He also speculated that Pawar could have become the Prime Minister in 1996 had he not hesitated to follow the advice of then-Prime Minister HD Devegowda.
Responding to these claims, Pawar questioned the relevance of Patel’s statements and reiterated his commitment to his political path, firmly stating, “Did I go anywhere? No.”
The press conference also saw Pawar critiquing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for his inconsistent political stance and recent ‘unconditional’ support to the BJP-led ‘Mahayuti’ alliance in Maharashtra. Pawar highlighted Thackeray’s frequent changes in political allegiance, which he believes could confuse the electorate.
This political discourse unfolds as Maharashtra gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, set to occur in five phases starting April 19, with the final votes being counted on June 4. The state’s complex political landscape, marked by recent splits within the NCP and the reallocation of party symbols by the Election Commission, sets the stage for a fiercely contested election.