Ajit Pawar on Steering NCP Post-Split and Maharashtra's Political Dynamics

In the wake of taking over the reins of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) following a split from his uncle Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar acknowledges the significant responsibility on his shoulders.

Speaking during his Jan Sanman Yatra, Pawar emphasized productive seat-sharing negotiations among the ruling coalition's members—NCP, Shiv Sena, and BJP—for the forthcoming assembly elections. He affirmed positive dialogues with key figures like Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Additionally, Pawar called for an all-party meeting to discuss the Maratha community's reservation demands. He defended the Mukhyamnatri Ladki Bahin Yojana, a welfare scheme for low-income women, against opposition criticism, stressing his acumen in budget management. Pawar's remarks also touched on his public and political life, asserting a preference for privacy regarding family matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)