Mumbai – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has taken full responsibility for the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, labeling the defeat in Baramati as particularly surprising. At a press conference following a meeting with party MLAs, Pawar emphasized the unwavering support of his legislators amidst speculation of defections to the faction led by Sharad Pawar.
“The opposition can say anything. I have always had the support of the people. My MLAs, MLCs have assured me they will always stand by me,” Pawar stated. He expressed surprise over the results in Baramati, where sitting MP Supriya Sule defeated his wife Sunetra Pawar by a significant margin, underscoring his prior confidence in local support.
Addressing questions about potentially rejoining forces with NCP founder Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar firmly accepted responsibility for the electoral losses, dismissing the need to publicize family matters. He promised a thorough introspection of the party’s performance, identifying key issues such as the alienation of Muslim voters, opposition allegations of constitutional changes affecting Dalits and backward classes, and the ongoing Maratha quota agitation in Marathwada.
Pawar mentioned having discussed the election results with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and assured that strategic decisions would be made to regain public support. Additionally, he noted his conversation with Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis regarding the latter’s intention to resign following the electoral setback, with further discussions planned in Delhi.
Addressing remarks by party MLC Amol Mitkari about internal sabotage and lack of ally support causing losses in Baramati and Shirur, Pawar attributed these to misinformation, reaffirming his accountability for the party’s shortcomings.
In response to whether the election outcome signaled public disapproval of defections, Pawar highlighted that the Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured seven out of 15 contested seats, indicating that defections are not unprecedented in Maharashtra politics. He referenced the 1978 defection led by Sharad Pawar, which propelled the veteran leader to the chief minister’s position.
The NCP split last July when Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs joined the Shinde government, a move that continues to shape the party’s dynamics and electoral fortunes.
