'Secret' Sharad Pawar-Ajit Meetings: Maharashtra Congress Concerned; Opposition Alliance To Discuss The Matter

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has expressed concern over the 'secret' meetings between NCP chief Sharad Pawar and state Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

He stated that his party does not approve of such meetings and considers it a matter of concern.

Sharad Pawar is a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which includes Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP.

However, his nephew Ajit Pawar recently split the NCP to join the Shiv Sena-BJP government led by Eknath Shinde.

In response to reporters' questions about the meeting between Sharad Pawar and his nephew in Pune, Nana Patole on Tuesday (15 August) said, “It is a matter of concern for us and we do not approve of the meetings taking place between the Pawars secretly".

"However, this matter will be discussed by the top Congress leaders. The (opposition) I.N.D.I.A. alliance will also discuss it, so it would not be appropriate for me to discuss it further,” he said, reports news agency PTI.

Nana Patole also said that the Congress has decided to unite with anyone willing to oppose the BJP.

He also said that speculation about Congress thinking of contesting the Lok Sabha elections without taking Sharad Pawar along is completely untrue.

Meanwhile, speaking in his hometown Baramati, Sharad Pawar acknowledged that some members of the party have taken a different path.

However, he expressed confidence that their stance may change once they realise the situation.

"Whether they change their stand or not, we will not deviate from the path we have chosen,” Pawar told a gathering in his hometown Baramati.

“I have told Maharashtra (voters) to vote for someone. And now, I can not tell them to vote for someone whom we have opposed all along," he added.

Sharad Pawar announced he will be holding a public rally in Beed on Thursday.