"Ajit Pawar Is Our Leader": Sharad Pawar Denies Split In NCP After Similar Remarks By Supriya Sule

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) national president Sharad Pawar reaffirmed on Friday (25 August) that his nephew Ajit Pawar remains a leader of their party, emphasizing that there is no division within the party.

Sharad Pawar's statement came a day after his daughter and NCP MP Supriya Sule echoed a similar sentiment.

"Ajit Pawar is our leader, and there is no ambiguity about it. What is the essence of a split? When does a party undergo a split? A split occurs when a significant faction separates from the party at the national level. If certain individuals adopt a distinct stance, they are exercising their democratic right. A different standpoint does not indicate a party split; it's a matter of their choice," Sharad Pawar stated during a press conference in Baramati.

On the previous day, Supriya Sule also asserted that there is no fragmentation within the party, attributing the departure of some NCP MLAs to the ruling alliance to the influence of the BJP. "The party remains undivided; a few have chosen a separate course by aligning with the BJP. We have filed a complaint with the Assembly Speaker to take appropriate action against them," she stated.

Responding to a claim made by BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule that Sharad Pawar would join the BJP before the 2024 elections, the NCP chief reproached the reporter, urging for more relevant and responsible questions.

Regarding a media survey focused on the upcoming general elections, Sharad Pawar conveyed that he lacked information about it. However, he emphasized that they were gathering insights from diverse institutions, and based on this information, they have reached the conclusion that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance will secure a greater number of seats.