Ajit Pawar likely to retain key role in NCP

Mumbai: Former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday attended a key meeting on government formation and also addressed fellow NCP MLAs at the YB Chavan Centre in Mumbai.

Asked about his revolt against his uncle and NCP chief Sharad Pawar four days ago, Ajit Pawar said that what he did could not be termed as a revolt.

“It was not a revolt. I was the leader of the NCP. Did the NCP remove me? Did you read (about my removal from the NCP) somewhere? I have been telling all that I was in the NCP, I am in NCP, and will be in NCP. There is no reason to create confusion,” he said.

He also reiterated that he continued to be with the NCP and would abide by whatever Sharad Pawar says.

“The decision to induct me in the state Cabinet is to be taken by Uddhav Thackeray as CM. I am not unhappy with anyone. I will accept any responsibility given by my party,” he said.

Despite rebelling from the party and joining hands with the BJP, Ajit Pawar may play an important role in the party. Several party leaders have demanded an important position for him in the NCP. So much so that posters in Baramati hailed him as the future chief minister.

Ajit Pawar resigned as deputy CM citing personal reasons Tuesday, following which Devendra Fadnavis, too, stepped down as chief minister, leading to the collapse of the BJP-led state government.

Reacting to his uncle’s return, party MLA and grandson of Sharad Pawar’s elder brother Appasaheb Pawar, Rohit Pawar, said that he was always sure his uncle would return to the party and felt happy when the latter met Sharad Pawar. Rohit Pawar also said that the Pawars stood united and would continue to do so.