'Willingness To Contest Together. But...': Pawar's Ambiguous Remark On MVA Unity Creates Buzz In Maharashtra Politics

Yet again, within this month Sharad Pawar's comment has caused a stir in Maharashtra's political circles and has raised questions on Maha Vikas Aghadi's alliance unity.

The NCP chief, Pawar, expressed on Sunday that "there is a willingness" for the MVA coalition, consisting of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), to contest together in the 2024 elections.

However, he also stated that “But mere desire is not always enough. Seat allotment, whether there are any other issues or not, all this hasn't been discussed yet, so how can I tell you.”

Pawar also clarified that his meeting with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi's Prakash Ambedkar did not include discussions about the outfit joining MVA.

He said, “Our talks were only about some seats in Karnataka Assembly elections."

ABP Majha reported that Pawar commented on MVA due to the lack of clarity on seat distribution among MVA constituents, stating that no further assumptions should be made.

NCP sources said Pawar won't attend MVA's vajramuth (iron fist) rallies, according to the Marathi channel's report.

Pawar's remarks came amid speculations over NCP leader and his nephew Ajit Pawar joining hands with the BJP. While Ajit denied plans to abandon the NCP, uncertainty over his intentions persists.

On Monday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Pawar's remark said, “Pawar is a senior and experienced leader. When he makes a statement, it is of importance and whatever he says is to be taken seriously.”

“They (BJP) wanted to topple our (Uddhav Thackeray-led) government, so he (Shinde) was used. Now their objective is fulfilled, so Shinde will be replaced soon,” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, reported PTI.

Nana Patole, the President of Congress in Maharashtra, has stated that the party will continue to move forward with those who remain part of the MVA alliance.

Patole told reporters, “The role of Congress is to make sure that the anti-BJP parties fight together. The role of other parties in an alliance may be different.”

Patole refused to comment on NCP's internal issues and stated that “Even Sharad Pawar doesn't speak on this issue, so how can I comment.”

“Even if 16 MLAs of Shinde group are disqualified by court, then also there is no danger to the state government.

“They have 165 MLAs. Even if 16 are disqualified, 149 MLAs remain, which is way above the majority mark in the 288-member House. The government will be there. May be there will be a different chief minister,” NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal said.

Also Read: Why, If At All, Will Ajit Pawar Change Sides?

- Why Does Sharad Pawar Do What He Does?