Deepak Mankar Stands By Ajit Pawar Amidst NCP Defections

NCP Pune President Deepak Mankar pledges loyalty to Ajit Pawar, vowing to quit politics rather than defect. His comments follow the defection of 29 leaders to Sharad Pawar's faction, while Supriya Sule emphasizes Sharad Pawar's enduring influence.

NCP Pune President Deepak Mankar has pledged his unwavering loyalty to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, stating his readiness to leave politics rather than compromise his allegiance. His statement comes in the wake of 29 former corporators, including Pimpri-Chinchwad city unit head Ajit Gavhane, defecting from Ajit Pawar's faction to Sharad Pawar's faction.

Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Mankar asserted, 'My loyalty is with Ajit Dada (Pawar) only. Regardless of whether he offers me a position or not, I will stay with him. I am ready to leave politics and sit at home, but I will not upset Dada. Our organization in Pune is the strongest.' Mankar added that despite having certain demands, such as a seat in the Maharashtra assembly council, he would not abandon the party even if these were unmet.

Additionally, three senior leaders from the NCP's Pimpri-Chinchwad unit—Rahul Bhosale, Pankaj Bhalekar, and Yash Sane—joined the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) on Tuesday after resigning. In response, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) working president Supriya Sule highlighted Sharad Pawar's six-decade-long commitment to development in Maharashtra and at the national level, noting that even opposition figures hold him in high regard.

(With inputs from agencies.)