Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's Shocking Claim: 'All NCP MLAs wanted to join Mahayuti'

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar claimed that most NCP MLAs had expressed their desire to join the Mahayuti government. This was during the period when Uddhav Thackerays Maha Vikas Aghadi government was on its way out.

The political landscape in Maharashtra experienced a significant shift when the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government, which included the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Congress and Shiv Sena, collapsed in June last year. This event was triggered by Eknath Shinde's rebellion that began on June 21 and culminated with him assuming office as Chief Minister with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on June 30.

NCP MLAs' Appeal to Sharad Pawar

During this period of turmoil, according to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, almost all NCP MLAs had written a letter to party chief Sharad Pawar. In their correspondence, they requested him to join hands with the Mahayuti NDA government by extending support to BJP. This revelation was made public by Ajit Pawar at a rally in Kolhapur.

"When the Uddhav Thackeray's government was about to collapse, almost all NCP MLAs had written a letter to the party chief Sharad Pawar asking him to join the Mahayuti government by supporting the BJP," he stated. Further asserting his claim’s authenticity, he said if his statement is proven wrong then he would retire from active politics immediately but if it turns out true then those spreading falsehoods should retire instead.

Ajit Pawar Joins Shinde Government

It is noteworthy that Ajit Pawar himself joined hands with Eknath Shinde along with eight other MLAs on July 2nd of this year. He voiced concern over increasing criticism towards them stating "Just about anybody is now standing up and speaking against us." However, he also acknowledged that such expression of dissent is part and parcel of any democratic system thereby showing respect towards the same.

In conclusion, these developments highlight the complex and dynamic nature of politics in Maharashtra. The collapse of Thackeray’s government marked a significant shift in power dynamics that saw Eknath Shinde ascend to the position of Chief Minister with BJP's support. Amidst this upheaval, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's revelation about NCP MLAs' appeal to Sharad Pawar for aligning with Mahayuti NDA government adds another layer to this intricate political narrative. As the dust settles on these events, it remains to be seen how these revelations will shape Maharashtra's political future.