In a powerful defence of his political realignment, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar justified his decision to ally with the BJP, asserting that politics demands pragmatism, not passive resistance. Speaking at an event to commemorate the 26th Foundation Day of the undivided NCP, Ajit Pawar stated that he and his colleagues were “not saints” who could remain content with sitting in the opposition and merely shouting slogans.
Ajit Pawar, who broke ranks with his uncle Sharad Pawar in 2023 and joined the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, declared that the NCP’s founding ideologies — inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj — were not compromised by the new coalition. “Some people question our decision to join hands with the BJP and Mahayuti. But didn't we align with the Shiv Sena in 2019? Even then, compromises were made,” he pointed out.
He emphasized that the purpose of politics was to address real issues, not symbolic opposition. “Just sitting in the opposition, raising slogans and taking out protest marches is not enough. We are not saints. We are here to give a direction, address people's issues, and practice the politics of inclusion,” he said, highlighting a shift in focus from political posturing to governance.
Ajit Pawar also brushed aside allegations that his party compromised on secular values, pointing to former NDA allies like Chandrababu Naidu and Mamata Banerjee as precedents. “When we decided to join the NDA and Mahayuti, we saw that leaders known for secular ideology had also aligned with the NDA. Our focus is development. We want the schemes of the Centre and state to reach the last man in society, to improve the standard of living and ensure that no section of society feels excluded,” he stressed.
While speculation continues about a potential merger of the two NCP factions, Ajit Pawar did not provide any definitive answers. “Party workers may hold differing opinions, but the final decision rests with the leadership. It is the party leaders who deliberate and decide on such matters,” he said, keeping the door open without committing to reunification.
Addressing recent controversies over fund allocations, Pawar, who handles the finance portfolio in the current government, said a targeted campaign was being run to spread misinformation. He claimed his ministry had increased allocations for Scheduled Tribes in comparison to the previous budget, countering allegations of fund diversion to the Ladki Bahin scheme.
He also quashed rumours about the discontinuation of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides ₹1,500 monthly to eligible women. “There is no plan to shut down the Ladki Bahin scheme,” he clarified, calling it a crucial initiative aimed at women’s empowerment.
