Mumbai: Ajit Pawar, who has all the praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) joining with the BJP is to support the nation development works carried out under the leadership of PM Modi.
Ajit Pawar dismissed the attempts by opposition parties to forge a united front against the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, citing various contradictions among them.
Addressing the media alongside NCP's national working president Praful Patel and newly appointed minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Ajit stressed the significance of prioritizing development and supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in taking the country forward on the path of progress.
Ajit defended the decision to join the BJP-Shiv Sena government by drawing parallels with the NCP's collaboration with the Shiv Sena in the previous coalition government, highlighting that they had also partnered with the BJP in Nagaland. He stated that the move had been extensively discussed over several days and was supported by a majority of MLAs.
Chhagan Bhujbal echoed Ajit’s sentiments, referencing a recent conversation with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, where the party leader expressed confidence in PM Modi's return to power in 2024. Bhujbal emphasized the need for a positive mindset, stating that being a part of the government would enable them to resolve people's issues effectively, rather than resorting to street protests.
With the NCP's entry into the government, they expressed their intention to promote younger leaders and work towards the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar reaffirmed his commitment to the state's progress, disregarding any criticism that may arise as a result of this decision.
The move by the NCP comes after their participation in a meeting with 15 other parties in Patna last month, where discussions on opposition unity were held. However, the NCP concluded that such meetings yielded no tangible output and argued that the nation required robust leadership.