Amid swirling speculation about Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule potentially joining the BJP, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday dismissed such claims, saying he is “not an astrologer” and prefers to focus on development work rather than political conjecture. The rumours intensified after Sule praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending all-party delegations abroad following Operation Sindoor.
Speaking to the media, Pawar called such interpretations “unnecessary and exaggerated,” adding that questions about party defections often make headlines without substance. “I prefer to focus on development until January 15,” he said, highlighting that winning the ongoing elections remains the top priority for the NCP.
When asked about the possibility of the two NCP factions reuniting, Pawar said, “We are one family. People naturally come together in times of happiness and sorrow. If family members choose to stand together, there is nothing wrong in that,” indicating a cautious but open stance on reconciliation.
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Pawar also commented on the reunion of Shiv Sena leaders, the Thackeray brothers, noting that the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) could impact vote shares. While he had no direct role in bringing them together, he welcomed the move, saying, “It is always good when relationships improve within a family.”
On voter behaviour, Pawar pointed out that electoral outcomes vary between national, state, and local elections. He cited Maharashtra’s recent election history, where the opposition won most Lok Sabha seats but the NCP-led alliance later dominated the Assembly polls, illustrating changing voter priorities.
Pawar further addressed criticism regarding local promises of free facilities, clarifying that commitments at the state or national level are the prerogative of the Chief Minister and Prime Minister. He defended local alliances, such as those between the NCP, Shiv Sena, and AIMIM, and rejected divisive remarks about Mumbai’s status, stressing the city will always remain part of Maharashtra.
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