The disgruntled Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, over the remark by Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant that he would vomit after sitting with the NCP minister during Cabinet meetings, warned of quitting the Mahayuti Cabinet if the Minister is not sacked."
Ajit Pawar’s party spokesperson Umesh Patil made it clear that no apology or any statement that he was misinterpreted should deter the party from its demand of sacking Sawant, a member of the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde; till then, neither Ajit Pawar nor its ministers will attend the cabinet meeting, The Indian Express reported.
Speaking at a public event on Thursday, Sawant, a member of the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, mentioned that he has never gotten along with the Congress and NCP throughout his life. He also claimed that after sitting next to NCP ministers during Cabinet meetings, he feels physically ill and vomits afterward.
Patil has demanded that Sawant be removed from his ministerial position, arguing that his comments are unacceptable and damaging to the alliance's unity. The NCP has indicated that its ministers may boycott future Cabinet meetings if Sawant remains in his position, highlighting the severity of the rift.
Patil's demand for Sawant’s removal is also seen as a broader reflection of the NCP's dissatisfaction within the coalition. The NCP has emphasized that it is not desperate for power and that it cannot work alongside a minister who makes such disparaging comments. The party’s leadership is under pressure to act decisively, with calls for Ajit Pawar and other senior NCP leaders to quit the Cabinet if Sawant is not dismissed.