In a recent development, Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, made headlines by expressing his decision to join forces with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena. Taking to his social media platform, Pawar explained that his choice was influenced by a shared working style with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In a letter posted on his Twitter handle, Pawar emphasized his commitment to advancing development projects without compromising on ideology and goals. He lauded the developmental efforts led by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah, considering them crucial for the country. Pawar expressed admiration for their leadership and decision-making qualities, highlighting the similarities in their working styles. Importantly, he clarified that his intent was not to show disrespect to elders but to align with a vision that resonated with his own principles.
During a public rally in Baramati, Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar addressed the public sentiment around Prime Minister Modi. He asserted that a significant majority of the country wishes for Narendra Modi to serve as the Prime Minister for a third term. Pawar added that everyone in the ruling alliance in the state is actively working towards supporting this sentiment. Citing statistics, he mentioned that more than 65 per cent of the population supports Modi for another term.
Encouraging his supporters, Pawar urged them to avoid making statements that could create friction or hurt sentiments. He promised to put in dedicated efforts, suggesting that the ruling alliance, known as Mahayuti, would collaborate to secure a massive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), targeting 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Ajit Pawar’s political journey took a turn in July 2023 when he parted ways with his uncle’s party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and joined the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition. This move saw several top leaders of the NCP aligning with him in leaving the party led by Sharad Pawar. Notably, a year before this, Eknath Shinde had separated from the undivided Shiv Sena to form a government with the BJP. Before Shinde’s split, the Shiv Sena was under the leadership of former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray.
Upon joining the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, Ajit Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state for the fourth time. The current ruling alliance in Maharashtra includes the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the BJP, and the faction of the NCP led by Ajit Pawar. As this political saga unfolds, one can’t help but wonder about the implications of these shifts on the political landscape.
How might Ajit Pawar’s alignment with the BJP and Shiv Sena impact the dynamics of Maharashtra’s politics, and what could it mean for the broader national scenario?
