Maharashtra has been embroiled in a significant political upheaval since the surprise move by NCP leader Ajit Pawar to join the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance and become the Deputy Chief Minister. However, the recent appointment of Jitendra Awhad as the Leader of Opposition by the NCP has showcased a strong sense of unity among the party workers who firmly support Sharad Pawar, the veteran leader.
Jitendra Awhad has expressed his disapproval of the faction led by Ajit Pawar using Sharad Pawar’s photo at their party office. According to Awhad, all NCP workers stand firmly with Sharad Pawar and are upset about Ajit Pawar’s actions. In response, they have taken down Ajit Pawar’s poster from the party office. Awhad asserts that the NCP party belongs to Sharad Pawar, and only he has the authority to decide who can use his picture.
Highlighting Ajit Pawar’s coup, Jitendra Awhad questions the legitimacy of Pawar’s faction in constructing a new party office near Mantralay in Mumbai and using the name and symbol of the NCP. He suggests that legal action may be taken against them, considering the recent Supreme Court order on the Eknath Shinde-Uddhav Thackeray standoff. Awhad emphasizes that Ajit Pawar and his colleagues have rejected Pawar’s ideals by aligning with the BJP.
Jitendra Awhad also mentions that there were prior indications from Ajit Pawar and Praful Patel that they were planning to leave the party. He believes that Ajit Pawar’s dissatisfaction with his current position as Leader of Opposition led to his decision to join the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance.
Awhad acknowledges that Speaker Rahul Narvekar has the authority to rule on their petition regarding Ajit Pawar’s move. However, he questions whether there is a time constraint on the Speaker’s decision. He notes that Sunil Prabhu of the Uddhav faction of the Shiv Sena has approached the Supreme Court seeking a direction for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker to decide on the disqualification pleas against rebel Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde.
The recent political developments in Maharashtra have significantly altered the political landscape ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly polls. The decision by NCP workers to rally behind Sharad Pawar and their disapproval of Ajit Pawar’s actions demonstrates a clear division within the party. As Maharashtra navigates this complex political scenario, all eyes will be on how the different factions evolve and their impact on national politics.
