In a revelation that has sent ripples through Maharashtra’s political landscape, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar disclosed a private 2019 meeting involving key leaders from the BJP and NCP, held at industrialist Gautam Adani’s residence. Present at this meeting were Union Home Minister Amit Shah, then-Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, NCP leader Praful Patel, Ajit Pawar himself, and Adani. The goal: to strategize a government formation with Fadnavis as CM and Ajit Pawar as Deputy CM.
Following this meeting, then-Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari was roused late at night to swear in Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar at Raj Bhavan. This government, however, was short-lived, lasting only three days, the briefest in any Indian state’s history.
Ajit Pawar’s revelation has created a storm for the BJP, intensifying opposition accusations that the party is influenced by corporate interests, specifically Adani. BJP insiders reportedly view Pawar’s disclosure as an intentional attempt to embarrass the party.
This recent disclosure also supports Fadnavis’s earlier claim that Sharad Pawar was involved in discussions around the BJP-NCP government formation—a claim that Sharad Pawar had initially dismissed as “lies.” Now, Ajit Pawar’s statement adds credibility to Fadnavis’s account, casting doubt within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which counts Sharad Pawar as one of its founding leaders.
Adding to the tension, Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP and the BJP have clashed over candidate selection for the upcoming assembly elections. Ajit Pawar has fielded former minister Nawab Malik—who faces accusations of ties to international criminal Dawood Ibrahim—for the Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar seat. Additionally, Malik’s daughter, Sana Malik, is contesting from Anushakti Nagar. This move has drawn ire from BJP leaders, who view it as defiance of their objections.
With election day approaching on November 20, Ajit Pawar’s revelations and candidate choices have further complicated the political dynamics within Maharashtra, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to an already heated campaign season.